Injury-prone India batter Shreyas Iyer suffered a back issue yet again as Mumbai went on to beat Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final on Thursday. Iyer had to miss the final phase of the title-decider due to an aggravated back injury, that seemed to have put his participation in the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with Kolkata Knight Riders under jeopardy. But now, a team manager from the Mumbai side for the Ranji Trophy campaign, has confirmed that Iyer will be fit for the start of the IPL and will be joining the franchise's pre-season camp.
"There is no cause for concern; he is fine and will be going to Kolkata for the pre-IPL camp in two days," Mumbai team manager Bhushan Patil told Cricbuzz.
Iyer, who struck an 111-ball 95 with 10 fours and three sixes, took on-field treatments on two separate instances here on the third day of the final against Vidarbha, having spent more than three hours in the middle.
"Iyer is injured," a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) had told news agency PTI when asked about Iyer's absence from the field on the final day.
"He will have to seek medical advice for which he is likely to go on March 16." A team source after the play on Day Four had claimed that Iyer had recovered from the issue and would be back on the field on the final day but it did not turn out to be the case.
Iyer remained inside the confines of the dressing room and in the Mumbai training kit, only to be seen for the first time on Thursday after the domestic giant completed their 169-run win for their 42nd title win.
An official statement from Iyer or the Kolkata Knight Riders about the players fitness and availability is yet to come.