Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic competition for the first time since 2015-16, defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. However, amidst the celebrations, a section of fans slammed the BCCI on social media after Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury and failed to take the field.
Having scored a quickfire 95 on the third day of the final at the Wankhede Stadium to bolster Mumbai's claim for a 42nd title win, Iyer did not take the field for the entire duration of the fourth day. But why are the fans angry at the BCCI for the Kolkata Knight Riders captain's fitness concerns ahead of another IPL season? Here is explaining the development in five points:
1. BCCI had recently dropped Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan from the central contracts list for not taking the Indian team management's advice to play Ranji Trophy in order to regain their form and prove their fitness.
2. The pressure from the board's side was the reason for Shreyas to strain himself which in turn led to aggravating the injury, some fans claim.
3. Despite complaining of back pain after the second Test against England in February, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) reportedly deemed Shreyas Iyer fit. Then came the board's central contract snub, putting more pressure on the 29-year-old. Ahead of the IPL season, Iyer decided to adhere to BCCI’s instructions and joined Mumbai’s squad for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy. Although he played a crucial knock in the summit clash, he suffered an injury setback -- leaving the fans concerned.
4. During the crucial knock, Iyer suffered back spasms and needed the team physio's assistance twice. Later, the skilled batter was in hospital for a scan of his back, Times Of India (TOI) said in a report. “It’s not looking good. It’s the same back injury which has got aggravated. He is in danger of missing the initial matches of the IPL,” a source was quoted as telling the daily.
🚨Shreyas Iyer with the moves after the win.
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 14, 2024
✍️Let this be noted and we are told internet never forgets.
🤔His professionalism and loyalty to the sport was doubted. His integrity was questioned.
Look what it means to him. 😍pic.twitter.com/pzLHg8Kool
5. The IPL 2024 will begin on March 22, with Shreyas Iyer's KKR scheduled to play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home on March 23.
