Shreyas Iyer Set for ODI Comeback Against New Zealand After Injury Scare

Shreyas Iyer's Return to the Field

Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of Team India for ODIs and a key middle-order batsman, is all set to make his return just in time for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first match is scheduled for January 11 at Kottambi Stadium in Vadodara. Recently, Iyer was cleared to participate in this series after recovering from a spleen injury.

Iyer had been out of action for two months following surgery due to an injury sustained during the final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He made his competitive comeback while playing for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after receiving medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Proving His Fitness

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer showcased his readiness by scoring 82 and 45 runs against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, respectively, at the Jaipuriya Vidhalaya Ground in Jaipur. His performance confirmed his fitness for the national team ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Close Call at the Airport

Just as Iyer was preparing for the ODI series, he faced a close call with injury when he was nearly bitten by a fan's pet dog at Vadodara International Airport on January 9. A video that circulated on social media captured the moment when a fan approached him for an autograph while holding her dog. As Iyer attempted to pet the dog, it lunged at him, but he quickly managed to avoid injury and continued on his way.

Had he been bitten, it could have jeopardized his participation in the ODI series, which would have been a significant setback for his return to the national squad.

A Boost for Team India

Iyer's successful outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have been encouraging for the Team India management, who were keenly observing his recovery. Ruturaj Gaikwad had filled in for Iyer during the ODI series against South Africa, where he notably scored a century. With Iyer's return, Gaikwad has been left out of the squad for the New Zealand series.

Iyer is expected to bat at No. 4, providing much-needed stability and experience to the middle order, especially with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill likely to open the innings and Virat Kohli batting at No. 3.

Iyer's ODI Career Highlights

Shreyas Iyer has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman for India, having been the top run-scorer in the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy last year, accumulating 243 runs. His contributions are vital as India prepares for the long-term ODI strategy leading up to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

In his ODI career, Iyer has scored a total of 2917 runs, which includes 5 centuries and 23 fifties, boasting an impressive average of 47.81 across 73 matches.