Indian middle-order batsman and Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer picked up a major shoulder injury during India's first ODI match against England in Pune. As a result, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. But in a massive blow to the IPL 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals, Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the entire season of the upcoming IPL as well.

Shreyas Iyer played a key role in taking his team up to the play-offs and then the finals last year, earning the praise of fans and cricket viewers for the consistency they exhibited throughout the tournament. The batsman was taken for scans on Tuesday after he left the field during the eighth over of the England innings and the BCCI later informed that he had subluxated (partially dislocated) his left shoulder. A BCCI source also informed a news agency that Shreyas Iyer will have to undergo surgery on his left shoulder, which will keep him away from the game for at least four months. "He will have to go under the knife. So, it looks not just the first part of IPL but Iyer will miss the entire IPL. It might take a minimum four months before he can hit the nets again. He has been under severe pain," the BCCI source was quoted as saying.

In Shreyas Iyer's absence, Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant or Australian batsman Steve Smith might assume the captaincy. Thanking his fans for the love and support post his injury, Shreyas Iyer said, "I've been reading your messages and have been overwhelmed by all the outpouring of love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. You know what they say, the greater the setback, the stronger the comeback. I shall be back soon."

I’ve been reading your messages and have been overwhelmed by all the outpouring of love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. You know what they say, the greater the setback, the stronger the comeback. I shall be back soon ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/RjZTBAnTMX

— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) March 25, 2021