Indian batter Shreyas Iyer may miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as he continues to recover from the serious injury he sustained during the Australia tour, according to a report. India, led by Shubman Gill, is set to play three ODIs in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.

Iyer was hospitalised in Sydney last month after he injured himself while diving to take a catch of Alex Carey during the third ODI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later said he suffered a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding. He was discharged only last week.

A report in the Indian Express quoted a BCCI source saying the team does not want to rush his return.

"He will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee don't want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series," the source said.

The source also shared how serious the situation was at the time of injury:

"Iyer's oxygen had dropped to 50, and for ten minutes, he wasn't able to stand properly. There was a complete blackout around him, and it took him some time to come back to normal."

Before getting injured, Iyer was in good touch during the ODI series in Australia, scoring 72 runs in two matches, including a 61 in Adelaide while building a century stand with Rohit Sharma.

This year, he has scored 496 runs in 11 ODIs, averaging nearly 50, with five half-centuries. He also finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy, scoring 243 runs and helping India win the title.

Overall, Iyer has 2,917 runs in 73 ODIs at an average of 47.81, with five centuries and 23 fifties.

The ODI series against South Africa begins on November 30, but Iyer’s recovery timeline means his availability is uncertain. The BCCI is expected to take a final call based on medical advice closer to the series.