(Image source from: Twitter.com/KKRiders)

Regrettably, Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Shreyas Iyer may face a setback in participating in the initial matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Reports surfacing from Times of India indicate that Iyer's recurring back injury has resurfaced following his commendable 95-run performance for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. Notably, the batter underwent surgery in 2023 due to the same back injury, and this recent flare-up could potentially sideline him for the opening games of IPL 2024.

A source mentioned in the report expressed pessimism about Iyer's participation, indicating that the chances of him featuring in the IPL matches early on are slim. This setback adds to the challenges for Iyer, especially after being excluded from the BCCI's central contract list. Kolkata Knight Riders are scheduled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Kolkata on March 23 in their inaugural match of the tournament.

During his impactful 95-run innings, Iyer encountered back spasms, requiring attention from Mumbai's team physiotherapist multiple times. Subsequently, he was unable to take the field for Mumbai on the following day, further raising concerns about his fitness. Despite initial complaints about the injury during the Test series against England, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has not reported any new injury concerns for the talented cricketer. It remains to be seen how this setback will impact Shreyas Iyer's anticipated participation in the upcoming IPL matches and his road to recovery.