Delhi Capitals have been dealt with a big blow ahead of IPL 2021, with their skipper and India batsman Shreyas Iyer ruled out of the entire cash rich league due to a shoulder injury. The news of Iyer's unavailability was confirmed by Delhi Capitals Co- owner Parth Jindal. "Absolutely devastated and gutted for our skipper @ShreyasIyer15 - stay strong captain - hope for a very quick recovery. Have full faith that you will come back even stronger from this. India needs you in the T20 World Cup " Jindal tweeted. With the IPL set to commence in just 2 weeks, it is highly unlikely that Iyer will play even in the second half of the tournament.
BCCI is yet to give an official statement, it is learnt that Iyer's scan reports have shown a tear which may force him to go for a surgery. Iyer had fallen badly on his left shoulder while attempting to stop a Jonny Bairstow stroke in the circle and could take no further part in the match as he hobbled off to undergo scans. In Iyer’s absence, Rishab Pant, DC’s vice-captain last year could take over. Although the franchise also has other captainship options in Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Steve Smith, who was picked this year from the auction pool. Dhawan also stood as captain in Iyer’s absence in UAE, when Pant did not make the playing eleven. The India opener struck form at the right time by scoring 98 against England in the first ODI in Pune on Tuesday (March 23) and he was briefly made vice-captain of India under Rohit Sharma's leadership. Iyer took over the reins of Delhi side in the middle of 2018 and under him the team did well since - once making the play-offs and also the final last season.
