Indian cricket fans are waiting for the return of the star batsman Shreyas Iyer Will have to wait a little more. Despite promising signs of improvement in BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE)The 30-year-old is expected to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against middle-order mainstays new zealandStarting from January 11, 2026.
While Iyer has resumed batting in the nets, a combination of medical precautions and physical standards have forced the selection committee to put a hold on his international comeback.
Reason why Shreyas Iyer will not play New Zealand series
The main reason for Iyer’s exclusion is the failure to obtain mandatory Return to Play (RTP) clearance. According to media reports, while Iyer’s batting appears “pain-free” and fluent, his overall physical conditioning has not yet reached the elite standards required for international cricket. The medical staff is particularly concerned about his ability to field the full 50-over match. High-intensity movements – such as diving, sliding and rapid-fire throwing – put significant stress on the abdominal area, which is still recovering from his recent surgery.
Notably, in October Iyer suffered a spleen injury with internal bleeding, which was life-threatening. The subsequent recovery and surgical procedure caused a significant physical setback. He has reportedly lost about 6 kg of weight during his hospital stay and initial rehabilitation. A more serious concern for BCCI coaches is muscle loss, which has a direct impact on their “optimal strength levels”.
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Shock to Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare’s hopes
To prove his fitness, Iyer had to play for Mumbai Vijay Hazare Trophy On 3 and 6 January. However, without the green signal from the COE, he will not be able to participate in these important competitive games. As per the current plan he will now potentially return only for the knockout stages of the domestic tournament (starting January 12), which would effectively rule him out of New Zealand ODIs.
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