Shreyas Iyer is all set to make his much-awaited India comeback in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting from January 11 in Vadodara. The Indian middle-order batsman also has bright chances of making a comeback in the T20Is against the Black Caps.
Shreyas Iyer narrowly escapes dog scare at airport before returning to India
Iyer is not currently in India’s T20I plans, but due to Tilak Verma’s injury, the Mumbaikar could also make a comeback in the T20Is against New Zealand this month. However, a few days before the first ODI, the right-handed batsman faced a strange and shocking moment off the field.
An airport video has gone viral in which a small puppy almost chewed off his fingers. The incident happened when Iyer was trying to befriend a fan’s pet while leaving the airport. After signing an autograph for his fan, Iyer tried to pet his puppy, but the attempt resulted in a scare.
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Thankfully, the 31-year-old batsman was not injured by the dog bite and survived. The Indian star shrugged off the incident with a smile before heading towards his car.
Watch the viral video here:
Shreyas Iyer finally gets fitness clearance ahead of IND vs NZ ODI
Earlier, the Indian cricket team got a big relief ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, as Shreyas Iyer is finally ready to return to international cricket after a long and scary injury spell. Iyer has now been declared completely match-fit by the medical team at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
This middle-order batsman was badly injured while trying to take a diving catch of Alex Carey’s ball during the third ODI against Australia in October last year. At first, it seemed like a normal fielding effort, but it turned into a medical emergency. After the SCG ODI, scans at a Sydney hospital revealed that he was suffering from internal bleeding due to an injury to the spleen.
SCG scare and recovery
Doctors immediately admitted Iyer to the hospital, where he was kept under strict observation. He had to undergo a minor surgical procedure to control the bleeding. Medical experts in Australia remained in constant touch with the BCCI medical team to closely monitor his condition.
Only after his health improved was he allowed to return to India, where his recovery continued cautiously at the BCCI COE. Despite being included in India’s 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, his place was not confirmed at first.
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His selection was entirely dependent on medical clearance from the Center of Excellence. Now, the star batsman has received that approval, clearing the final hurdle for his comeback.
Iyer returns to domestic cricket
Notably, Shreyas Iyer had made a comeback to domestic cricket even before playing at the national level. Iyer led Mumbai in two matches and showed good signs with the bat in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
He played a brilliant inning of 82 runs against Himachal Pradesh and after this he proved that he is ready to shine on the big stage once again by playing consecutive innings of 45 runs against Punjab.