'He Had a Long Layoff': Sanjay Manjrekar Intrigued by Shreyas Iyer's Fitness After Middle-Order Batter Miss PAK Clash

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his views on Shreyas Iyer missing out on the Super 4 clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. The middle-order batter failed to get a place in the XI after sustaining a back spasm before the clash. His absence once again raised questions over his fitness as he recently made a comeback into international cricket after a long injury lay-off. Iyer underwent back surgery a few months back and he missed a big chunk of cricket.

Manjrekar talked about Iyer’s injury and said he was intrigued by his fitness as he was declared fully fit before the Asia Cup and now the back spasm is a big concern for him and India.

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India included KL Rahul in the playing in place of Iyer for the mega clash against Pakistan. Rahul also made a much-awaited comeback into international cricket after a long-term right thigh injury which needed surgical intervention.

Manjrekar advised the team management to take a look at players who got injured quite frequently and make their plans accordingly for the big tournament.

“You know you have got to start looking at players if they are going to be such an issue for the captain, the team management. They have been so patient, waiting for him to come back in the first match," he added.

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However, Manjrekar called Iyer’s injury unfortunate as it made him sit out from a crucial clash in Asia Cup 2023.

“He was there for the second game. But he has missed out due to back spasm. That’s unfortunate, it’s a forced change," he added.

Recently, Iyer recalled the days of his struggles because of the injury, Iyer told the BCCI: “To be precise, I had this nerve compression, basically a slip disc, which was compressing the nerve, and the pain was going all the way down to the bottom of my tiny toe. And, it was horrendous then.

“I was in excruciating pain. I wasn’t able to express myself properly about what I’m going through," he added.