Following a devastating injury, Shreyas Iyer’s participation in IPL 2026 remains uncertain, which is set to begin on March 15 next year.

Right after his injury announcement, fans started to search for the answer to “Will Shreyas Iyer play in IPL 2026?”.

Though there is an ample amount of time left for the tournament, his fans started to do their own research and analysis regarding his injury and probable recovery time.

For those crazy Shreyas Iyer followers, we have covered the entire injury details and possible return time with the latest updates.

Shreyas Iyer sustained a spleen injury

India’s ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, sustained a spleen injury during the 3rd ODI vs Australia in Sydney. The incident occurred in the 34th over of Australia’s innings when he attempted to catch a catch when Alex Carey mishit a delivery.

Stationed at a backward point, sprang towards the ball and leapt to complete the catch, but landed awkwardly on his left side immediately after taking the catch. He remained on the ground, clutching his left side in visible discomfort.

With the support from teammates and physio Kamlesh Jain, Iyer walked off the field and did not return to the field.

Shreyas Iyer was rushed to the hospital, where scans revealed he has a ruptured spleen and rib injury and was admitted to the ICU.

His catch was crucial as India broke a partnership and helped the side to restrict Australia from posting a competitive total. India eventually won the game after solid knocks from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Latest Updates on Shreyas Iyer’s Injury

Shreyas Iyer’s injury update and recovery timeline have been given as per the official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

• On October 25, 2025, Shreyas Iyer sustained an injury while fielding in the 3rd ODI game against Australia and did not return to the field.
• On October 27, 2025, it is stated that Shreyas Iyer has a Spleen laceration injury, and a spokesperson from BCCI has stated that the vice-captain is ‘under treatment, medically stable and recovering well.’
  • The BCCI also revealed that the Indian team doctor has stayed back in Sydney and will continue to stay with the 30-year-old to evaluate his day-to-day progress.
• After scans done on October 28, 2025, the board has confirmed improvement in Iyer’s injury and is on the road to recovery.
• On October 29, 2025, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav provided a massive update on Shreyas’ health, saying that the batter is to be kept under observation for a few days, but is replying and talking on the phone, which is a good sign.
  • SKY added that Iyer was shifted out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Sydney hospital on Monday and is now in a stable condition.
• On November 01, 2025, the BCCI medical team stated that he is stable and has been discharged from the hospital today. He will continue to stay in Sydney for follow-up consultations and will return to India once he is deemed fit to fly.
  • It is expected that the 30-year-old old to be rested for two months and is expected to return to action in January 2026.

Will Shreyas Iyer Play in IPL 2026?

Yes, Shreyas Iyer will play in the IPL 2026. Although Shreyas Iyer’s injury update has not been officially revealed yet, the PBKS captain is expected to feature in the IPL 2026 following a complete recovery.

According to the IPL 2026 schedule, the tournament’s first match is scheduled to be played on March 15, 2026. With more than four months left for the start of the 19th edition of IPL, Shreyas Iyer is expected to regain his full fitness.

It is worth mentioning that, under Shreyas Iyer, the Punjab Kings qualified for the IPL 2025 final after a decade but ended up as the runner-up.

Probable Recovery Timeline for Spleen Rupture

Usually, the sports players are kept out of play for several weeks or months to prevent further damage. Medical clearance will be given after scans confirming full healing.

The recovery time depends upon the grade of injury.

• Grade I – II lacerations: 6 – 8 weeks
• Grade III lacerations: 2 – 3 Months
• Grade IV Lacerations: 3 – 6 Months or even longer.

Shreyas Iyer IPL stats

Making his IPL debut in 2015, Shreyas has played 133 games for three franchises, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

In 133 games, he has amassed 3731 runs at an average of 37.22, which includes 27 half-centuries.

Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in leading the Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 finals. Joining the franchise for INR 26.75 crore, he had one of the best seasons with the bat, scoring 604 runs at an average of 50.33.

With the 19th edition of the season approaching, the Punjab Kings will be aiming to restructure their squad by releasing and adding some players to strengthen the core.

With IPL 2026 auction is likely to be held in the December 13-15, the retention will likely be in the mid of November 15.

Though the official list has not been released yet, our team has listed the IPL 2026 probable PBKS released players list.

Franchises must follow the IPL 2026 auction rules and regulations for the announcement of the retained and released players list.

Ahead of the tournament, the Punjab Kings planned to make crucial changes in their support staff. As the first step, the Punjab Kings appointed Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach.

What is Spleen Laceration Injury?

The spleen is a soft organ in the upper left abdomen, filters and stores 25% the body’s red blood cells and platelets while producing white-blood cells to fight infections.

Spleen rupture is a condition that occurs when the splenic capsule or parenchyma is disrupted. Without emergency treatment, the internal bleeding from a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening.

It results in rapid blood loss, and a rapid plunge in blood pressure can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness, blurred vision, and faintness.

Traumatic injuries are the most common cause of a ruptured spleen. The fatal injury usually comes from Car accidents, punches, stabbings, or gunshot wounds.

Notable Players to sustain Spleen Laceration Injury

Several players from other sports like American football, Hockey, rugby union, and Lacrosse have sustained spleen rupture.

Baseball

Jonathan Schwind, an outfielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates Organisation, underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen in 2015 after a collision with another player.

American Football

In 2006, Chris Simms had his spleen removed in an emergency procedure after being hit in a game played between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers.

Despite his quick recovery, he had other complications with core muscles that caused his delay, and he eventually returned to the NFL in 2008.