Shreyas Iyer doubtful for IPL 2026 in a HUGE blow to PBKS

In what has been the latest development, as per the reports in Dainik Jagran, it is learned that Shreyas Iyer is doubtful for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. If the report turns out to be true, this will act as a massive blow for Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Shreyas Iyer suffered a major rib injury during the third ODI against Australia as he attempted to take the catch of Alex Carey. The premier batter was in a serious condition and was shifted to the ICU in Australia, where he stayed for around 3-4 days.

After returning home, Shreyas Iyer underwent the UGC test but nothing was conclusive. The PBKS skipper will undergo tests again after two months of injury. If reports are positive, he will be able to start rehab by the end of December or January.

The reports claimed that Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the South Africa and the January New Zealand ODI series. He will be asked to begin training for a comeback only after the tests come back positive and will be allowed to begin rehab and training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

Shreyas Iyer will be missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

This means that Shreyas Iyer will be missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as he won’t be playing any games before that. The reports in Dainik Jagran claimed that, the right-hander is also doubtful for the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. 

Iyer's return to Team India will be in the home white-ball series against Afghanistan in June 2026. He was recently appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team. He had a great outing in the Australia series, slamming a fifty in the second ODI. 

If he misses IPL, it will be a massive blow for PBKS as he was the top run getter for the franchise last year. He would be keen to get fit and help his team win the title this year.