Mumbai: Indian cricket fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Shreyas Iyer is recovering well after suffering a spleen injury during the third ODI against Australia. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Iyer is stable and has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Sydney hospital.

Iyer sustained the injury while attempting a catch, resulting in a ruptured spleen that required immediate medical attention. Saikia stated, "Shreyas is much, much, much better. His recovery has been much faster than what the doctor expected." He added that Iyer did not undergo surgery but a different procedure to stop internal bleeding, which contributed to his quick recovery.

The usual recovery time for such injuries is six to eight weeks, but Iyer may return sooner than expected. He is currently able to eat solid food, walk without assistance, and communicate with friends and family. The BCCI is arranging for his sister, Shresta Iyer, to join him in Sydney for support.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav provided an update, saying, "If he is replying on the phone, it means he is stable. He is talking. Everything is normal." Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur also confirmed Iyer's stable condition after speaking with him.

In another update, BCCI secretary Saikia announced that women's team opener Pratika Rawal will be sidelined for four to six months due to a knee injury sustained just before the World Cup semifinal. Shafali Verma has been named as her replacement. Rawal had been a key player, ranking as India's second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

As Iyer continues his recovery, the cricket community remains hopeful for his swift return to the field.