IND vs NZ: Big boost for India; Shreyas Iyer declared fit by BCCI ahead of New Zealand ODI series
(Courtesy : BCCI)
VVS Laxman informed Chief selector Ajit Agarkar about Iyer’s fitness.
In a major boost for Indian cricket ahead of the home ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ), vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has received full medical clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The 31-year-old middle-order batter, sidelined for nearly three months due to a spleen injury, is now primed to feature in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
The green signal came via an email from CoE head VVS Laxman to chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Wednesday, confirming Iyer’s rehabilitation is complete and he has been discharged.
“Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is fit to play for the Indian team. His rehab is complete. Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar via email that Iyer’s rehab is complete. He has now been discharged from the COE’s care.
He was included in the ODI squad against New Zealand but needed to prove his match fitness. Following this email, he will be part of the playing eleven from the first match”, reported Abhishek Tripathi (translated to English).
Shreyas Iyer marked his return at the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer was included in the 15-member squad announced on January 3 with a fitness caveat, requiring him to prove match readiness in domestic cricket. He ticked that box emphatically in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, captaining Mumbai to a thrilling seven-run win over Himachal Pradesh in Jaipur on Tuesday.
Batting at No. 4 in a rain-reduced 33-over game, Iyer smashed a fluent 82 off just 53 balls, showing no signs of discomfort during or after his knock. This performance marked his first competitive outing since October 2025, thereby easing all concerns about his workload capacity.
Initially, selectors wanted another game against Punjab on January 8, but the CoE’s medical team was satisfied ahead of schedule.
Iyer’s injury occurred on October 25 during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney, where he attempted a catch and suffered a spleen tear, leading to hospitalization.
Now, Iyer slots back into the middle order at No. 4, as vice-captain, displacing Ruturaj Gaikwad. Iyer’s proven big-match temperament will stabilize the middle order and give him much-needed game time ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
When will Shreyas Iyer join the Indian squad?
Shreyas Iyer is now set to lead Mumbai for the final Vijay Hazare Trophy league match against Punjab on January 8. The rest of the Indian squad assembled in Vadodara (Baroda) on January 7 for preparations ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11.
This delayed joining applies similarly to Rishabh Pant, who is also committed to a domestic match on the same day. Both are set to be available well before the series opener, with Iyer’s inclusion now confirmed after his fitness clearance.
Is Shreyas Iyer fully fit for the New Zealand ODI series?
Yes, Iyer has been declared fully fit after completing rehab for his spleen injury and is available for the entire series, including the first match.
When will Shreyas Iyer join the Indian squad in Vadodara?
After captaining Mumbai in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Punjab on January 8, 2026. The rest of the squad assembled on January 7.
Why was there a condition on Iyer’s inclusion in the squad?
His selection was initially subject to proving match fitness post-injury, with his performance against Himachal Pradesh and CoE clearance removing the caveat.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.