NEW DELHI: India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been hospitalised in Sydney and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering internal bleeding caused by a rib injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia.

Iyer, who took a stunning catch running backwards from backward point to dismiss Alex Carey, appeared to injure his left rib cage in the process. He was immediately taken to the hospital after returning to the dressing room on Saturday.

"Shreyas has been in ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately.

"He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days depending on recovery, as one needed to stop spreading of infection due to bleeding," a source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The BCCI also issued a statement on Iyer's injury status, saying the player is recovering well and that the board is monitoring his day-to-day progress.

"Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team Doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

The BCCI medical team responded promptly after Iyer's vital signs showed fluctuations upon his return to the dressing room.

"The team doctor and physio didn't take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon," the source added.

Initially, Iyer was expected to be out of action for about three weeks, but the recovery period may now be longer.

"Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover, and at this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket," the source said.

The 31-year-old is expected to remain in the Sydney hospital for at least a week before being declared fit to travel back to India. Iyer is not part of India’s T20 squad.