Shreyas Iyer, left out of India’s Asia Cup squad, recently opened up about one of the toughest phases of his career.
The Pain of Exclusion and Injury
A day before the Asia Cup 2025 kicked off, Shreyas Iyer, who was notably absent from the 15-member squad, spoke candidly about his challenges. Despite being a key player for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Iyer found himself out of contention due to the fierce competition in Indian cricket. Not only was he left out of the main squad, but he didn’t even make it to the reserves.
However, this disappointment pales in comparison to the ordeal he faced in 2023. After being India’s second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup, Iyer suffered a severe back injury, which led to a long recovery period. The injury was so serious that it paralyzed one of his legs. The pain was excruciating, and Iyer admits that the emotional and physical toll it took on him was unimaginable.
“No one can understand the pain I went through. I was totally paralyzed in one leg. With spine surgery, you can place a rod in the back and still manage. But a snapped nerve, which is what I had, is really, really dangerous. The pain was horrendous, running all the way down to my tiny toe. It was so scary,” Iyer revealed in an interview with GQ India.
A Glimpse of Redemption
Despite the setback, Iyer found redemption in 2024, when he was bought for ₹26.75 crore in the IPL auction, becoming the second-costliest buy in the league’s history. However, his exclusion from India’s Asia Cup squad and Test squad for the England tour still weighs on his mind.
“I can only control the controllable. I can only keep working on my skills and strength, and when the opportunity arises, I’ll grab it with both hands,” Iyer added, staying focused on the road ahead.
Shreyas Iyer’s story of struggle, recovery, and relentless determination stands as a testament to the resilience needed to succeed in the world of elite cricket. While his future in the national team remains uncertain, one thing is clear: his commitment to his craft is unwavering.
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