Shreyas Iyer likely to miss Asia Cup as back issue 'giving him trouble': Report

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India batter Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup hopes are in jeopardy as the player is reportedly still struggling with his back injury.

Iyer, who was suffering from a lower back issue for the most part of last year and earlier this year, decided to opt for surgery to resolve his issue. He underwent surgery in London this April and missed out on the entirety of the IPL 2023 season.

He also missed out on the WTC Final 2023 and is now looking increasingly likely to not take part in the upcoming Asia Cup as well.

The player is recovering from his injury and undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. But a source told Times of India that the player is still struggling with his back issue and has been injected with medication for pain relief.

"Iyer recently took an injection for his back pain at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy. His back is still giving him trouble," the source told TOI.

Iyer was mostly a regular in the ODI squad and was slowly establishing himself as a regular in the Test squad for India, before the lower back injury happened.

It is to be seen whether the player manages to get fit ahead of the Asia Cup as the continental tournament starts on the last day of August. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament and four matches will be played in Pakistan, while the remaining will take place in the island country.

Unlike Shreyas, it is positive news for Jasprit Bumrah though as the pace spearhead is looking set to make a return to the Indian fold for the Ireland T20Is.

"Jasprit Bumrah is looking very good for the Ireland series in August this year. It will be a big boost to the Indian cricket team and will also allow Bumrah time in the middle after the long injury lay-off. If everything stays on course, a Bumrah at peak fitness is likely to take field," a senior board official was quoted as saying by News18 Cricketnext.