Bengaluru: In a major boost for India ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, star batter Shreyas Iyer has resumed batting and reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) for further assessment of his injury, with early signs indicating a positive recovery.

Return to batting raises hopes

According to a report in The Times of India, Iyer has started batting again and spent close to an hour at the nets without experiencing any discomfort. This development comes just 17 days before India begin their ODI series against New Zealand on January 11, raising hopes of a possible return to competitive cricket.

Iyer is now undergoing a detailed assessment at the Centre of Excellence to determine the extent of his recovery and chart a safe roadmap for his comeback. While no official return date has been confirmed yet, the fact that he is pain-free while batting is being viewed as an encouraging sign by the team management and selectors.

Injury setback and time away from cricket

Shreyas Iyer last featured in competitive cricket during the ODI series against Australia in October. During that series, he suffered a blow to the abdomen, an injury that subsequently ruled him out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the ODI series against South Africa.

The enforced break meant Iyer missed a significant chunk of match practice at a time when India’s limited-overs calendar was gaining momentum. His absence was particularly felt in the middle order, where his ability to handle spin and pace alike has made him a key component of India’s ODI plans over the past few years.

Assessment at the Centre of Excellence

As part of his recovery process, Iyer is expected to spend between four and six days at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. During this period, he will undergo fitness tests, medical evaluations and cricket-specific assessments to determine whether he can safely return to match play.

A BCCI official, speaking to The Times of India, said that Iyer’s current condition is promising. “Shreyas Iyer had a very unfortunate injury in Australia and it made him miss a lot of competitive cricket. The good sign is that he is pain-free at the moment and batted without any trouble in Mumbai on Wednesday,” the official said.

The official added that while the early signs are positive, the final call on his return will depend entirely on the CoE’s assessment and recommendations.

Eye on Vijay Hazare Trophy return

While a comeback in the upcoming New Zealand ODI series remains uncertain, the report suggests that Iyer is targeting a return during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Participation in the domestic 50-over tournament would allow him to regain match fitness and rhythm before being eased back into international cricket.

The final timelines for his return to competitive action will be confirmed only after the medical team at the CoE completes its evaluation. Selectors are expected to factor in both his fitness status and match readiness before taking a call on his inclusion in upcoming squads.

Fitness routines resumed

Another positive sign for Iyer is that he has already resumed regular gym and fitness routines. According to officials, all post-injury X-rays and assessments have shown no cause for concern, indicating that the injury has healed well.

“He is already back to regular training in the gym. So, no red flags there at the moment, but all depends on the CoE assessment. He will be there for anywhere between four to six days,” the BCCI official said.

Strength and conditioning staff are reportedly monitoring his workload closely to ensure that there is no risk of aggravating the injury during the final stages of rehabilitation.

Selection scenario ahead of New Zealand series

India’s next ODI assignment is the home series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11. The squad for the series is likely to be announced around January 2 or 3. With limited time left before the announcement, Iyer’s availability remains a key talking point.

While it is still too early to confirm his participation, sources indicate that a return for the series cannot be ruled out if the CoE clears him in time. Team management, however, is expected to adopt a cautious approach, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term gains.

Importance of Iyer in India’s plans

Shreyas Iyer has been a vital cog in India’s ODI setup, particularly in the middle order. Known for his composure, ability to counter spin and accelerate when needed, he has often played match-defining innings in pressure situations.

With the next 50-over World Cup still nearly two years away, the focus remains on building a settled core while managing workloads and injuries effectively. A fully fit Iyer adds depth and balance to India’s batting line-up, making his recovery all the more significant.

Conclusion

Shreyas Iyer’s return to batting and his stint at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence mark an important step in his recovery journey. While questions remain over his immediate availability for the New Zealand ODIs, the early signs are encouraging. As selectors await the CoE’s final assessment, Indian cricket will be hoping that one of its most reliable middle-order batters is back in action sooner rather than later.