Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia, is expected to be out of action for at least the next four to five months. According to a report, the 28-year-old right-handed batsman will undergo surgery to treat his recurring back injury problem.

If he goes under the knife, then he will not be available for the entire IPL 2023 and will also miss the Final Test Championship between India and Australia which will be held at the Oval from June 7 to 11.

His exit will be a threat to the two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders as Shreyas is their captain and captain of the playing XI. He was signed for Rs 12.25 crore in the mega auction that took place last year, and the former Delhi Capitals captain lived up to the bill by finishing the season as the best run-getter for Shah Rukh Khan's team.

After being ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia with a back injury, it was reported that he might miss the opening match of IPL 2023, but now, according to a report from TOI, he will miss at least four to five months.

"Iyer has been advised to undergo surgery. He wants a specialist to operate in London, but if there is a good option in India, the surgery can also be done here," a source told TOI.

Iyer was part of the Indian team that faced Australia in the fourth Test last week at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. But he did not bat in the first innings due to a back problem.

In Iyer's absence, Kolkata will now need a new player for the IPL in 2023. His exit from the WTC Finals, meanwhile, could open another avenue for KL Rahul in the Test team.