A brilliant catch lands the Indian vice-captain in intensive care with a serious internal injury.

Indian cricket's ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is currently under intensive care in a Sydney hospital following a severe injury sustained during the third one-day international against Australia. Medical professionals are treating him for internal bleeding that resulted from a significant impact to his rib cage.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Iyer executed a brilliant running catch to dismiss Australian batsman Alex Carey. While the athletic play was successful, he immediately appeared to be in considerable discomfort. Upon returning to the dressing room, the situation escalated. The BCCI's medical team observed fluctuating vital signs and, prioritising his safety, made the swift decision to transport him to a nearby hospital for urgent evaluation.

Initial assessments revealed the gravity of the injury was far greater than a simple bruise. Subsequent reports confirmed internal bleeding, which necessitated his immediate admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Sources close to the team confirmed that Iyer has been in the ICU for a couple of days and is under constant medical supervision. He is reported to be in a stable condition, though medical staff remain vigilant to prevent any potential spread of infection.

This serious development has significant implications for Iyer's immediate cricketing future. While initial forecasts suggested a recovery period of around three weeks, the discovery of internal bleeding means his return to the sport will be considerably delayed. The focus has now shifted from a quick recovery to ensuring his long-term health. Medical experts have indicated that it is too early to establish a definitive timeline for his comeback.

Iyer is expected to remain hospitalised in Sydney for at least another week, with his release contingent on his recovery progress. He was not named in the upcoming T20 squad, and his travel back to India will only be sanctioned once he is medically cleared. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in elite-level sport, turning a moment of on-field brilliance into a serious health concern.