Will Shreyas Iyer be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Shreyas Iyer's availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy is under discussion as MCA Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar expresses hope for his return following recovery. With vital matches approaching, Iyer's participation could significantly impact India's preparations for upcoming ODIs against New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer is recovering from a spleen injury.
- MCA Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar plans to discuss Iyer's availability.
- Iyer hopes to return for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
- The selection committee will finalize the ODI squad soon.
- His return could enhance India's strategy for the 2027 World Cup.
New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Unmesh Khanvilkar, announced that the association plans to discuss with Shreyas Iyer, the Indian batter, regarding his potential availability for the latter stages of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Iyer has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) since December 25 for further evaluation of his recovery from a serious spleen injury that he sustained during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) back in October.
“No, we have not yet had a conversation with Shreyas. However, we will reach out to him regarding his availability. Currently, there is no official update on this matter, but we expect to have one in the coming days,” Khanvilkar informed IANS on Sunday.
Prior to his arrival at the CoE in Bengaluru, IANS reported that Iyer had resumed batting after beginning lightweight gym workouts. He practiced batting for approximately 30-34 minutes at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) nets in Mumbai.
A source monitoring Iyer’s progress stated that if all goes well and he receives clearance from CoE, he might participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6.
It will be intriguing to see whether the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, includes Iyer in the squad for three ODIs against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. The panel is scheduled to convene to finalize the squad in the first week of January.
“Shreyas’s recovery at CoE has been positive thus far. He is aiming to return to action for the last two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The decision is now in the hands of the selectors regarding his reinstatement to the ODI team,” added the source.
If Iyer re-enters the ODI lineup, it will significantly strengthen the team's plans as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Following the series opener in Vadodara, India and New Zealand will face off in the subsequent two ODIs in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively.
Point of View
Which reflects the interest and stakes involved for both the player and the national team.
NationPress
01/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Shreyas Iyer sustain?
Shreyas Iyer suffered a serious spleen injury during the third ODI against Australia in October.
When did Iyer arrive at the BCCI Centre of Excellence?
Iyer arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on December 25.
What matches is Iyer targeting for his return?
Iyer is aiming to return for the last two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6.
Who leads the selection committee for the upcoming ODIs?
The selection committee is led by Ajit Agarkar.
When will the squad for the ODIs against New Zealand be finalized?
The squad is set to be selected in the first week of January.
