Team India ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has reached the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to check his fitness after a serious spleen injury. The middle-order batter is expected to return for the upcoming New Zealand ODIs, but the final call will depend on his fitness test results over the next few days.
Iyer has been out of action since October after suffering an abdominal injury during the ODI series against Australia. He missed the entire Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well as the following ODI series against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad batted at number four in the recent ODI series against South Africa.
Shreyas Iyer Undergoes Fitness Assessment Ahead of New Zealand ODI Series
Shreyas Iyer is working towards a return for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, but his comeback will depend on final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The middle-order batter is currently undergoing a detailed assessment to determine his readiness.
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Iyer has already completed light batting sessions in Mumbai without any discomfort, and recent scans and medical tests have shown no issues. The medical team is satisfied with his recovery so far, and his rehabilitation has progressed smoothly.
Over the next few days, Iyer will undergo further evaluations, including fitness drills, endurance tests, additional imaging, and monitored batting sessions. He is expected to spend four to six days at the centre, which should provide clarity on his return timeline.
Shreyas Iyer’s New Zealand ODI Selection Hinges on Fitness Assessment
While Shreyas Iyer is keen to feature in the three-match ODI series, his selection remains uncertain. With the squad likely to be announced in early January, a comeback is still possible, but it will hinge on the final assessment results.
Iyer is set to stay in Bengaluru for several days as the medical and support teams closely track his fitness and workload. The monitoring period will help determine when he can safely return to full-intensity cricket and resume competitive action.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century and has since continued to bat in the middle order for Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is expected to keep his place in the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Shreyas Iyer’s Return Remains Uncertain as Team Management Takes Cautious Approach
According to RevSportz, the team management is taking a cautious approach regarding Shreyas Iyer’s return. Iyer has recovered better than expected and is moving well so far. However, his availability for the New Zealand ODI series is being seen as a 50-50 call.
“Shreyas is looking really good. His recovery has been better than what was initially expected. He will have to undergo a few mandatory checks in the next few days which includes batting at nets and simulation sessions,” a source in the know told RevSportz on condition of anonymity.
“We can’t really put a date on his return as of now but a call on whether he will be available for the New Zealand series will be determined as we complete the necessary checks. At this moment, it is 50-50 but as I said, we shall have a clarity on that in the next few days. If he is doing everything without any discomfort, then there’s no reason he can’t play in that series.”
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