India, led by Shubman Gill, have received a boost ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is set to begin on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. Team India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to play after completing his rehabilitation from the injury he sustained during the Australia tour.
The middle-order batter spent the last few months away from competitive cricket after suffering a serious rib injury while fielding during an ODI against Australia in October 2025. He was taken to a hospital in Sydney for immediate treatment before returning to India, where he focused on recovery and rehabilitation.
Shreyas Iyer Cleared to Play After Completing Rehab
According to reports, VVS Laxman, who heads the National Cricket Academy, informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar that Shreyas Iyer’s recovery process is complete. As a result, he has been officially discharged from the NCA.
Iyer was already named in the squad for the New Zealand ODIs, but his place in the XI depended on match fitness. With the clearance now confirmed, he is set to feature from the opening game of the series.
“Deputy captain Shreyas Iyer is fit to play in the Indian team. His rehab has been completed. VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy, has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar via email that Iyer’s rehab is fully completed. He has now been discharged from the NCA’s care,” sports journalist Abhishe Tripathi wrote on X.
“He had been included in the ODI team against New Zealand, but he needed to prove his match fitness. Following this email, he will be part of the playing XI from the very first match.
बिग ब्रेकिंग
उपकप्तान श्रेयश अय्यर भारतीय टीम में खेलने के लिए फिट। उनका रीहैब खत्म हुआ। सेंट्रल आफ एक्सीलेंस के मुखिया वीवीएस लक्ष्मण ने मुख्य चयनकर्ता अजित अगरकर को ईमेल के जरिए सूचित किया कि अय्यर का रीहैब पूर्ण हुआ। अब वह सीओई के केयर से डिस्चार्ज हुए। उन्हें न्यूजीलैंड के…— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) January 7, 2026
Shreyas Iyer to Join India ODI Camp on January 8 After Vijay Hazare Commitments
Most of India’s ODI squad is set to assemble on January 7, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer joining a day later due to commitments in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Pant has been allowed to finish Delhi’s final league match on January 8 before reporting to the national camp.
He, who was picked as reserve wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul, impressed in the tournament with 212 runs from six innings, including two half-centuries. Selectors have also noted his commitment to domestic cricket.
Iyer will complete his duties for Mumbai in their last group game on January 8. Returning from surgery after a spleen injury sustained on the Australia tour, he made his comeback with 82. He is expected to be available from the start of the series.
Mixed Outings for India Stars in Vijay Hazare Trophy
India’s top white-ball players had mixed outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as preparations continued for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer scored 82 off 53 balls for Mumbai, while Axar Patel made 73 off 60 for Gujarat and later bowled five overs for just 14 runs.
Shubman Gill managed 11 off 12 balls, Suryakumar Yadav scored 24 off 18, and Rishabh Pant hit a quick 24 off nine balls. Karnataka continued their perfect run as Mayank Agarwal scored 100 and Devdutt Padikkal made 91. Prasidh Krishna then claimed figures of 5/36 to seal a comfortable win.
Hyderabad’s young batter Aman Rao smashed an unbeaten 200. Mohammed Siraj followed it up with figures of 4/58 to complete a dominant victory over Bengal.
Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma challenged by Michael Bracewell to play 2027 World Cup
