Shreyas Iyer Declared Fit, Gets Green Signal for New Zealand ODIs: Report

Star India batter Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to play competitive cricket again, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) declaring him fully fit, according to multiple media reports. The development comes just days before India's three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara.

Iyer made a confident return to action during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 6, representing Mumbai. Playing his first match since recovering from a spleen injury, the right-hander produced a blistering 82 off just 53 balls against Himachal Pradesh, signalling that he had regained rhythm and full match fitness.

The 30-year-old had been sidelined since October 2025, when he suffered the injury during the third

ODI of India's tour of Australia. The situation required hospitalisation in Sydney before he returned to India to begin a detailed rehabilitation programme. His final phase of recovery included a 10-day stint at the BCCI CoE, where he underwent fitness tests, routine assessments, and strength-based training modules.

While Iyer has passed the fitness criteria, there remains some uncertainty regarding his travel plans. Cricbuzz reported that both Iyer and Rishabh Pant, also part of the ODI squad, are expected to join the Indian team later than scheduled. The squad is assembling in Vadodara on January 7, but both players are set to feature in their respective teams' final league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 8.

The last public update before this clearance came from India's bowling coach Morne Morkel, who spoke positively about Iyer's progress. "I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he is recovering well. So, that is pleasing to hear. Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team," Morkel had said.

Iyer, named vice-captain for the New Zealand ODIs, is now expected to reclaim his spot in India's middle order-pending only the logistics of joining the squad.