Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to play in the upcoming IPL season, but with a restriction on his playing style. This comes after he missed the final two days of the Ranji Trophy final due to back issues.
Green light with warning for Shreyas Iyer
The BCCI, following consultations with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a specialist spine doctor, has declared Shreyas Iyer fit to play as per Indian Express. However, he has been advised to avoid excessive lunges while playing the forward defense, a move that could aggravate his back injury.
Fitness Concerns for KKR captain in IPL 2024
Shreyas Iyer back pain has been a source of concern in recent weeks. Despite his claims of discomfort after playing a specific number of balls, the BCCI medical team initially remained unconvinced. This, coupled with his decision to skip the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals (though he played the semis and final) led to his exclusion from the BCCI’s annual player contracts.
BCCI stance on Domestic Cricket
The BCCI, through a letter from secretary Jay Shah, has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket as a selection criterion for the national team. This communication addressed a “concerning trend” of players prioritizing the IPL over domestic red-ball cricket.
Focus on IPL 2024 Opener
While Shreyas Iyer’s fitness concerns have garnered some attention, the focus now shifts to the exciting IPL season opener. The 17th edition kicks off on March 22nd with a highly anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.