Shreyas Iyer thanks doctors who saved his life, reveals meaning behind 'Second DOB'

India's T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and medical staff who helped save his life and guided him through one of the toughest phases of his career following a life-threatening injury last year.On October 25, 2025, Iyer suffered a severe spleen laceration and internal bleeding after landing heavily while completing a catch during India's third ODI against Australia in Sydney. The impact to his left rib cage caused a ruptured spleen, requiring emergency medical treatment. Local surgeons, along with the BCCI medical team, performed a successful procedure to stop the internal bleeding and stabilize the Indian batter.

After spending several days under medical supervision, Iyer was discharged from hospital on November 1, 2025.Reflecting on the traumatic experience as part of Sun Pharma's National Doctors' Day initiative, #SecondBirthDate, Iyer said the incident completely changed his perspective on life."An injury can make you realise how quickly life can change. I'm deeply grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me return to health, strength and the sport I love.

They stood by me during one of the most challenging phases of my life. Dedicating my second birth date to healthcare professionals is my tribute to the people who made my comeback possible," Iyer said.

Back in Cricket

The road back to cricket was far from easy. During the early stages of his recovery, Iyer lost nearly seven kilograms while confined to bed and then underwent an intensive rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

A major milestone arrived on December 25, 2025, exactly two months after the accident, when Iyer was cleared to hold a bat and resume light training. The date became so significant that he updated his Instagram bio to read "Second DOB: 25.12.2025.

"Iyer, who replaced Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain last month, has been on the receiving end of strong criticism following India’s consecutive defeats against Ireland. India now face England for 5-match T20I Series starting on July 1.