Shreyas Iyer has been formally cleared to join the Indian cricket team for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The middle-order batter, who was initially included in India’s 15-member squad subject to fitness, proved his readiness during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and will now link up with the national side on Friday, ahead of the series opener on Sunday in Vadodara.
Doing Well and Comeback through Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer was showing great match fitness while playing for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 82 and 45, respectively. Moreover, with Shardul Thakur’s injury, Shreyas also led Mumbai as stand-in captain in those matches, which underlined his leadership credentials too.
Recovery from Serious Injury
The Indian ODI vice-captain returns to international cricket following a spleen injury he sustained in the ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25.
He had been trying an attempt at catching when the injury happened, and there was internal bleeding due to the laceration of the spleen that led to his hospitalisation. The setback had thus compelled him to skip India’s home ODI series against South Africa, but his recovery has now been complete.
Boost for India Ahead of New Zealand ODIs
Shreyas Iyer’s return is a massive boost to India’s middle order ahead of their battle against New Zealand. Most of the members from the Indian ODI contingent reached Vadodara on January 7, where the first ODI is scheduled to take place at the newly-constructed Kotambi Stadium.
This will be the first men’s international game for Vadodara in over 15 years. The venue has hosted WPL matches and women’s ODIs in the past.
India ODI Squad for New Zealand Series
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rohit Sharma
Read More
Virat Kohli
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
Washington Sundar
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammed Siraj
Harshit Rana
Prasidh Krishna
Kuldeep Yadav
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Arshdeep Singh
Yashasvi Jaiswal
ALSO READ: WPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Who Will Perform And All Details
