Indian ODI team vice-captain Shreyas Iyer reached the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bangalore to check his fitness after a serious spleen injury. The middle-order hitter is expected to return for New Zealand’s upcoming ODIs, but the final call will depend on the results of his fitness tests over the coming 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 finished fourth in the recent ODI series against South Africa.
Shreyas Iyer undergoes fitness assessment ahead of ODI series in New Zealand
Shreyas Iyer is working towards a return for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, but his return will depend on final fitness clearance from the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. The middle-order hitter is currently undergoing a detailed evaluation 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 problems. The medical team is happy with his recovery so far and his rehabilitation has gone well.
Over the next few days, Iyer will undergo further evaluations, including fitness exercises, endurance tests, additional footage and monitored batting sessions. He is expected to spend four to six days at the center, which should clarify his return timetable.
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 composition of the team likely to be announced in early January, a return is still possible, but this will depend on the results of the final evaluation.
Iyer is expected to remain in Bengaluru for several days as medical and support teams closely monitor his fitness and workload. The monitoring period will help determine when he can safely return to full-intensity cricket and resume competition.
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 retain his place in the team 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 the return of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer recovered better than expected and is doing well so far. However, his availability for the New Zealand ODI series is considered a 50-50 call.
“Shreyas looks really good. His recovery has been better than initially expected. He will have to undergo some mandatory check-ups in the coming days, including net batting and simulation sessions,” a source in the know told RevSportz on condition of anonymity.
“We can’t really set a date for his return yet but his availability for the New Zealand series will be determined as we carry out the necessary checks. At the moment it’s 50-50 but like I said we will have more clarity on that in the coming days. If he does everything without any discomfort then there is no reason why he can’t play in this series.”
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