Shreyas Iyer to play Vijay Hazare Trophy, on track for India ODI comeback vs New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer hasn't played any competitive cricket since October 25.

Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to return to competitive cricket. The India ODI vice-captain had checked into the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) on December 25. He has passed the fitness assessment and will remain in Bengaluru until December 30 before checking out.

Shreyas Iyer to play VHT as ODI comeback prep

Before making his ODI comeback, Shreyas will feature in two Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 matches. The 31-year-old will link up with Mumbai’s squad in Jaipur on January 2. He’s expected to feature in the fifth and sixth group-stage fixtures. On January 3 against Maharashtra and January 6 against Himachal Pradesh.

Shreyas will skip the last group-stage match against Punjab on January 8 and join India’s camp for the New Zealand ODI series. The star batter had commenced batting in the nets a couple of days ago. Shreyas was spotted wearing protective gear during his net session at CoE, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue.

“We are hearing positive developments around Shreyas. He is very likely to play two games for Mumbai on January 3 and January 6. The final schedule will depend on clearance from CoE, but signs are positive for playing those games in Jaipur. He is batting well in the nets and no discomfort,” an MCA official told the Times of India.

India’s squad for New Zealand ODI series

Shreyas had missed India’s last ODI series against South Africa, with Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing him. The BCCI is expected to announce India’s squad for the New Zealand ODI series on January 3 or 4, and Shreyas is expected to return to the side. His selection could mean that Tilak Varma could miss out.

Shubman Gill is also certain to return. He, too, like Shreyas, missed the South Africa series. Both will return in leadership roles.