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Shreyas Iyer cleared for competitive action by NCA
NEWS
Follow UsThe India batsman was out of action since he dislocated his shoulder during the ODI series against England
India batsman Shreyas Iyer has been cleared for competitive action after proving his witness during his week-long stay at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He can therefore feature in the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin from September 19.
Iyer had dislocated his shoulder during one of the One-Day International (ODI) matches against England and also had surgery due to which he had to miss the start of the IPL, which was called off due to the increase in the Covid-19 cases within the bio-secure bubble. Rishabh Pant led Delhi Capitals (DC) in his absence.
Surgery was a success and with lion-hearted determination, I’ll be back in no time 🦁 Thank you for your wishes 😊 pic.twitter.com/F9oJQcSLqH
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) April 8, 2021
Iyer led DC in 2020, where his team made it to the final for the first time. Whether he returns to lead the side is yet to be seen. "Yes, NCA has issued a fit certificate to Shreyas. He stayed in Bengaluru at the NCA for a week and his final assessment has happened few days back. Based on all medical and physical parameters, he is now ready to play matches.
"This couldn't have happened at a better time with India's T20 World Cup campaign in two months time," a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Iyer had done his rehab program at the MCA ground in the BKC complex but as per BCCI's protocol, he has to undergo an intense fitness examination before being adjudged match fit by the competent authorities. With Iyer making a comeback, India's T20 team will have more options in the middle order but, more importantly, all eyes will be on the Delhi Capitals management as to who they pick for the leadership role.
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) July 5, 2021
A school of thought is that Iyer led the side well and DC reached their first final last year but Pant is also a young superstar in his own right. How he will take the decision if the reins are handed back to Iyer is also a question.
There could be a possibility that if Pant is not retained as the captain, the keeper-batter may be back in the auction pool and in that case, it is anyone's guess that his price as a player and brand will hit through the roof.
(With inputs from PTI)