Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to return to competitive cricket by the BCCI’s medical team at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and will lead Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
“The Mumbai Cricket Association is pleased to announce that Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of the Mumbai senior men’s team for the remaining league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the MCA said in a press release.
Iyer will take over from Shardul Thakur, who sustained a calf injury during Mumbai’s previous match against Maharashtra. “Shreyas Iyer will assume leadership responsibilities in place of Shardul Thakur, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and is currently unavailable for selection,” the statement added.
It further noted: “An experienced international cricketer with proven leadership credentials, Shreyas Iyer brings calmness, tactical acumen and a strong understanding of the game. The Association is confident that under his captaincy, the Mumbai team will continue to perform with determination and uphold Mumbai cricket’s rich legacy.
“The Mumbai Cricket Association wishes Shardul Thakur a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Shreyas Iyer and the entire Mumbai squad for the upcoming matches.”
Iyer will play against Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday and Punjab on January 8, before linking up with the Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in Vadodara on January 11. He had been named in India’s squad subject to fitness clearance, having undergone rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence.
Iyer suffered a spleen laceration and internal bleeding while attempting a catch off Alex Carey during India’s third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25. He was admitted to a hospital in Sydney, where a procedure was performed to stop the bleeding. After returning home, he made steady progress, resuming batting sessions in Mumbai earlier this month before reporting to the Centre of Excellence.
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