Just two days after India’s vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, made a concerning exit from the Sydney Cricket Ground during the third ODI against Australia, clutching his lower left rib cage, it has been confirmed that he remains hospitalized. Iyer is recovering from a severe laceration to his spleen, an injury sustained while completing a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey, but unfortunately landing awkwardly.
The force of the fall is believed to have caused a tear just below his rib cage, leading to significant internal bleeding. His condition reportedly worsened in the dressing room as his blood pressure dropped sharply, necessitating immediate medical transfer to the hospital. This unfortunate incident adds a new chapter to cricket’s long history of unusual and severe on-field injuries. As Iyer continues his recovery, let’s reflect on some of the most serious incidents that have shaken the cricketing world.
A Look Back at Other Serious and Freak On-Field Cricket Injuries
Raman Lamba (1998) — A Tragic Head Injury
In a heart-wrenching incident in 1998, Indian cricketer Raman Lamba suffered a fatal head injury during a league match in Dhaka. Fielding bravely at short leg without a helmet, he was struck on the temple by a powerful pull shot from Mehrab Hossain. Though he initially walked off the field seemingly unhurt, he later developed an internal hemorrhage. Despite the best medical efforts, Lamba tragically passed away three days later. It was reported that he had declined to wear a helmet for what he thought would be ‘just three balls’ of the over.
Mark Boucher (2012) — Career-Ending Eye Trauma
South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher’s illustrious career came to an abrupt and unfortunate end in 2012. During a tour match against Somerset, a bail struck him directly in the eye as he stood up to the stumps for leg-spinner Imran Tahir. This devastating injury caused severe damage, forcing his immediate retirement from international cricket. While his retina was spared, he permanently lost his pupil and iris, requiring numerous subsequent medical procedures.
Jason Gillespie (1999) — A Painful Collision
In a Test match against Sri Lanka in Kandy in 1999, Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie endured a severe leg injury following a collision with teammate Steve Waugh while attempting a catch. The impact resulted in a broken leg for Gillespie and a fractured nose for Waugh. Gillespie had to be stretchered off the field and was sidelined for several matches during his recovery.
Nari Contractor (1962) — Life-Threatening Skull Fracture
Indian opener Nari Contractor faced a terrifying moment in 1962 when he was struck on the head by a bouncer from the formidable West Indies fast bowler, Charlie Griffith. The impact caused a fractured skull, plunging Contractor into a coma. He underwent multiple life-saving surgeries, with teammates and even the opposing captain heroically donating blood. Tragically, he never returned to international cricket after this incident.
Phillip Hughes (2014) — A Global Tragedy
The cricketing world mourned in 2014 after Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes suffered a fatal injury during a Sheffield Shield match. He was struck on the neck by a bouncer from bowler Sean Abbott, which tragically caused a vertebral artery dissection and subsequent brain hemorrhage. Hughes passed away two days later, an event that led to significant global revisions and improvements in helmet safety standards across the sport.
Saba Karim (2000) — Forced Retirement Due to Eye Injury
During the Asia Cup in 2000, Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim’s career was cut short by a severe eye injury. He was struck in the eye by a deflected delivery from spinner Anil Kumble while behind the stumps. The impact caused irreparable damage to his vision, compelling him to retire prematurely from the sport.