Team India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has reached BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru to check his fitness after a serious spleen injury. The middle-order batsman is expected to return for the upcoming New Zealand ODI, but the final decision will depend on the results of his fitness test in the next few days.
Iyer has been out of cricket 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 upcoming ODI series against South Africa. In the recent ODI series against South Africa, Ruturaj Gaikwad batted at number four.
Shreyas Iyer undergoes fitness assessment ahead of New Zealand ODI series
Shreyas Iyer is working towards a comeback 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 batsman is currently undergoing a detailed assessment to ascertain his readiness.
Iyer has already completed light batting sessions in Mumbai without any problems and recent scans and medical tests have not shown any problems. The medical team is satisfied with his recovery so far and his rehabilitation is progressing smoothly.
Over the next few days, Iyer will undergo further evaluation, including fitness drills, endurance tests, additional imaging and monitored batting sessions. He is expected to spend four to six days at the centre, which will allow the timeline for his return to be clear.
Shreyas Iyer’s New Zealand ODI selection depends on fitness assessment
While Shreyas Iyer is keen to play in the three-match ODI series, his selection remains uncertain. The team is likely to be announced in early January, with a withdrawal still possible, but it will depend on the final evaluation results.
Iyer is likely to stay in Bengaluru for several days as the medical and support teams will closely monitor 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. It is expected that he will retain his place in the team for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Shreyas Iyer’s comeback remains uncertain as team management takes cautious approach
According to RevSportz, the team management is adopting a cautious approach regarding the return of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer has recovered better than expected and is progressing 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 initially expected. He will undergo some mandatory tests in the next few days which include batting in the nets and simulation sessions,” an informed source told RevSportz on condition of anonymity.
“Right now we can’t really fix a date for his return, but a decision on whether he will be available for the New Zealand series will be taken once we complete the necessary investigations. At the moment, it is 50-50, but as I said, we will get clarity on it in the next few days. If he is doing everything without any discomfort, there is no reason why he cannot play in that series.”
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