India cricket star rushed to hospital and admitted to ICU after suffering freak injury

India cricket star Shreyas Iyer was rushed to hospital after suffering a lacerated spleen while taking a catch against Australia at the weekend. The 30-year-old is said to be recovering well after receiving medical attention on the field.

Iyer was in action for India during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney when he sprinted to take a catch from Alex Carey in the 34th over. The fielder landed awkwardly before clutching his side and writhing in pain on the ground.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave an update on Iyer's condition on Monday, with the organisation explaining in a statement.

"Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. He was taken to hospital for further evaluation.

"Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well.

"The BCCI medical team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian team doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress."

According to The Sun, Iyer was admitted to the hospital's ICU for emergency treatment, with the injury deemed to be potentially 'fatal.'

The player is expected to remain under medical care for the next week, with his recovery possibly taking longer than three weeks.

"Shreyas has been in ICU for the past couple of days," a source told the Press Trust of India. "After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately.

"He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on recovery, to stop the spreading of infection due to bleeding.

"The team doctor and physio didn't take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He's a tough lad and should be fine soon.

"Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover. At this point, it's difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket."

India eventually won their match against Australia by nine wickets, with Rohit Sharma scoring his 50th international century. But they lost the series 2-1, with Australia doing enough in the first two matches to secure the overall victory. The two sides are due to go head-to-head in a five-match T20 series, which begins in Canberra on Wednesday.