Reports: Shreyas Iyer declared fit to play IPL 2024, advised precautions while playing defensive shot

In a noteworthy turn of events, Shreyas Iyer has reportedly been cleared to play in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, but he has been advised not to stretch too much while playing his defensive strokes.

Shreyas has had his share of struggles with back problems. He missed the IPL last year as he underwent back surgery in London in April 2023. The Mumbai batter completed his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and made his international comeback during the Asia Cup in September. However, after playing the first couple of games, he suffered a back spasm that forced him to miss the remaining matches in the six-nation tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders fans would have had their hearts in their mouths when reports emerged that the right-handed batter could miss the first few games in IPL 2024 after aggravating the "same back injury" during the Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha last week. However, they can now breathe a collective sigh of relief as their skipper has reportedly been cleared to take part in the cash-rich league 

Notably, the Indian star recently visited a spine specialist in Mumbai on the advice of the National Cricket Academy. Thereafter, the specialist was of the opinion that Iyer should take certain precautions while playing to avoid any further issues. Moreover, he deemed Iyer fit enough to be able to resume playing.

“He is fit to play, a specialist spine doctor was consulted in Mumbai who has advised him not to stretch his leg too forward while defending the ball. He has joined IPL franchise KKR and he can play,” a source was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Last month, Shreyas reportedly complained of back pain after playing the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. However, as per reports, the NCA found no fitness concerns for the 29-year-old. He was subsequently dropped from the side for the final three Tests.

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Shreyas Iyer was advised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. However, he decided to skip playing in the quarterfinals between Mumbai and Baroda. He was subsequently left out of the central contracts list. The aggressive batter went on to play the semifinals and the finals and helped his team win a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy. In the second innings of the final against Vidarbha, Shreyas smashed a belligerent 95 off just 111 balls. His back pain resurfaced after this knock and he had to stay out of the field for the remainder of the match.

Shreyas Iyer dismissed cheaply in practice match

Shreyas joined the Knight Riders' pre-season camp ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2024. The former two-time champions played a practice match on Sunday, March 17. The encounter was live-streamed on KKR's social media handles.

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Shreyas was dismissed for 22 off 19 balls. He didn't look comfortable against the slower bowlers and was stumped off the bowling of a local spinner. The Knights begin their IPL 2024 campaign on Saturday, March 23 as they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata.