Shreyas Iyer’s Race Against Time for ODI Comeback
Mumbai: After recovering from a serious abdominal injury, India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is in a race against time to return to the ODI team. The national selection committee, headed by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, is set to announce the squad for the upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand.
The series kicks off in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18. It remains uncertain whether Iyer will be selected under the ‘subject to fitness’ clause, similar to India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, who was included after rehabilitation for a neck injury. If Iyer is selected, both the ODI captain and vice-captain could return after being sidelined due to injuries in the previous series against South Africa.
Gill’s Expected Return
Shubman Gill, who is likely to play in the next two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Punjab alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh, is also anticipated to return to the ODI team after missing the South Africa series due to injury.
According to reports, Iyer underwent a match simulation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on December 25. He is scheduled for another simulation on January 5, after which he will need a ‘Return to Play’ certificate from the medical team. The 31-year-old may participate in his final Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Mumbai on January 8 before joining the Indian team in Vadodara for the first ODI.
Iyer’s Rehabilitation Progress
A BCCI source noted, “Since arriving at the Centre of Excellence, Iyer has shown considerable improvement in his strength and conditioning. He has successfully completed multiple high-intensity skill sessions covering both batting and fielding.”
Iyer last played in the ODI series against Australia in October, where he suffered a severe spleen injury that required hospitalization. This injury kept him out of the ODI series against South Africa, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Rishabh Pant’s Uncertain Future
The selection for India’s squad against New Zealand has gained attention amid speculation surrounding Test vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s potential exclusion. Pant has not played an ODI in the past 18 months, and his subpar performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy may lead to his omission, despite being a significant player historically
Mohammed Shami’s Possible Comeback
With workload management in mind, it is likely that Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the New Zealand series, paving the way for veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to make a comeback. Shami had impressive performances in the last two ODI World Cups.
