Shreyas Iyer Poised For Comeback In ODI Series Against New Zealand: Report

Star India batter Shreyas Iyer is all set to make his international return, with him ready to feature in the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand next month, unless any late injury problems pop up, according to a report in The Times of India.

Iyer is training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is expected to continue there until December 30.

Iyer will join the Mumbai Vijay Hazare Trophy team in Jaipur on January 2 and is slated to play on Saturday, January 3 and 6. He will then link up with the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series, which begins in Vadodara on January 11.

“We are hearing positive developments around Shreyas. He is very likely to play two games for Mumbai on January 3 and January 6. The final

schedule will depend on clearance from CoE, but signs are positive for playing those games in Jaipur,” a Mumbai Cricket Association official told The Times of India.

Earlier reports stated that Iyer batted for almost an hour in Mumbai on December 23 without experiencing any discomfort before heading to the CoE for further evaluation.

Iyer had already returned to regular physical training and gym sessions after his recovery from the serious injury.

A blunt abdominal injury sidelined Iyer, causing him to miss both the ODI series against South Africa and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Mumbai.

Iyer’s comeback is a major boost for India, permitting the management to solidify plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli in top form, Iyer’s return to the No. 4 spot will strengthen the middle order.

In his absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad was tested in the role and did score a hundred, but fitting both right-handers into the playing XI could prove tough.

The selectors might finalise the team after receiving the required clearances for Iyer from the CoE, with the announcement expected early in the first week of January.