The decks are cleared for Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, starting January 11. It is learnt that the middle-order batter has completed his final batting drill without any discomfort at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday. Although official communication from the CoE to the BCCI regarding Iyer’s fitness is still pending, final clearance is expected to be granted on Tuesday.
On Monday, Iyer completed his last Return to Play drills at the CoE, which included a batting session lasting more than an hour. Having batted regularly since arriving at the BCCI’s facility on December 25, Iyer appears to have recovered just in time to feature in the ODIs against New Zealand. He is also set to play for Mumbai in at least one, if not both, of the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches on January 3 or 6 before joining the Indian squad, which assembles in Vadodara on January 7. The Mumbai Cricket Association is yet to receive formal clearance on Iyer’s fitness and will be informed once the CoE updates the BCCI.
While there were initial doubts about whether Iyer would pass all the fitness parameters given the severity of the spleen laceration he suffered during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney earlier this year, the trainers at the CoE have been impressed with his recovery. He completed batting and other fitness drills without any issues.
Not only has Iyer looked comfortable while batting, but he has also appeared in excellent physical condition during his other fitness drills as he nears the final phase of his rehabilitation. The Mumbai batter, in all likelihood, is set to leave the CoE on Tuesday.
“Shreyas has completed everything diligently without any problems,” a source close to the matter told RevSportz. “A few more checks remain, but he is looking good to return now. It has been a remarkable recovery. He will leave tomorrow. He batted for more than an hour today and underwent a few running drills. His rehab is 99% complete.”
Before going to the CoE, Iyer had already resumed physical exercises and was training regularly in the gym with consultations from the BCCI’s medical team. His disciplined approach to fitness and diet played a key role in helping him recover quicker than expected.
The injury occurred during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. While diving to catch Alex Carey, Iyer landed awkwardly, resulting in a spleen laceration and internal bleeding. He required urgent hospital treatment in Sydney, including a minor procedure to stop the bleeding, and remained under close medical observation in both Australia and India before stabilising and returning home.
The Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand is likely to be picked on January 4.
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