Is Shreyas Iyer Ready to Make His Comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Synopsis
Shreyas Iyer is set to return to competitive cricket after a serious spleen injury, representing Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh. His performance could influence his selection for India's ODI squad against New Zealand. Will he reclaim his top form?
Key Takeaways
Shreyas Iyer returns after a serious injury.
He will play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy .
Performed well in a recent practice match.
His performance may influence selection for the national team.
Other players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal are also in contention.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer is poised to make his return to competitive cricket following a serious spleen injury he sustained in October 2024. The 31-year-old will don the Mumbai jersey as they face Himachal Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to take place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on January 6.
Iyer has been granted conditional clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. After completing a ten-day rehabilitation program at the COE, he participated in a practice match on January 2, where he batted without any pain and completed all drills successfully.
With a remarkable history in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer is known for his explosive performances, including a stunning 50-ball 114 against Karnataka in December 2024. He has consistently been a top performer for Mumbai, leading the team to victories and being the highest run-scorer last season with a total of 325 runs across five matches.
Iyer's injury occurred during India's third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025, when he attempted a catch near the boundary and suffered internal bleeding and spleen damage. Since that incident, he has missed key matches including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the home ODI series against Australia.
The selection for India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand is expected to be announced on Saturday. While there is a possibility of selecting players based on fitness, it remains uncertain if the selectors will include Iyer directly for the international series or prefer to evaluate his performance in domestic matches first.
During Iyer's absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad has stepped up to bat at number four, even scoring his first ODI century. Additionally, Devdutt Padikkal has impressed with four centuries in just five innings in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, further complicating the selection process.
Point of View
Shreyas Iyer's comeback is a significant milestone, not just for him but for Indian cricket. His return could bolster Mumbai's chances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and impact the national team's selection for upcoming international fixtures. It reflects resilience and the importance of rehabilitation in sports.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Shreyas Iyer play his first match?
Shreyas Iyer is set to play his first match on January 6 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Himachal Pradesh.
What injury did Shreyas Iyer sustain?
Shreyas Iyer suffered a spleen injury and internal bleeding during an ODI match against Australia.
Where is the Vijay Hazare Trophy match taking place?
The match will take place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
What is Iyer's record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Shreyas Iyer has a strong record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, including a remarkable 50-ball century against Karnataka.
Will Iyer be selected for the ODI squad against New Zealand?
His selection depends on his performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the fitness evaluations by the selectors.
