Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is set to make his return to competitive cricket following a prolonged injury layoff. The Mumbai cricketer, sidelined since October 25 with a serious spleen injury, is expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. According to a report by The Times of India on Sunday, December 28, Iyer is also likely to be in contention for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Iyer suffered the injury during India’s third and final ODI against Australia on October 25. While attempting a catch near the third-man boundary, he lost his balance while running backwards and landed awkwardly on his rib cage. Although he completed the catch, the batter was in visible pain and had to be helped off the field. Subsequent medical scans revealed internal bleeding and damage to his spleen, ruling him out of action for an extended period.
Since then, the 30-year-old has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The report adds that Iyer is on track to make his competitive comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting January 3, and is expected to walk straight into Mumbai’s squad, led by Shardul Thakur.
“If he clears the final fitness assessments, Shreyas could also be available for the first ODI against New Zealand starting January 11,” a Mumbai Cricket Association source told TOI. “We are hearing positive developments around him. He is very likely to play two games for Mumbai on January 3 and January 6. The final call will depend on clearance from the Centre of Excellence, but signs are encouraging. He is batting well in the nets and has reported no discomfort.”
Iyer has missed India’s bilateral series against South Africa and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy since sustaining the injury. The Vijay Hazare Trophy now offers him a timely platform to regain match fitness and rhythm as India begin shaping their plans ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
