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Shreyas Iyer Eyes Vijay Hazare Trophy Return, ODI Comeback in Focus

The Mumbai Cricket Association will speak to Shreyas Iyer about his potential availability for the later stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as he recovers from a spleen injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Iyer has resumed batting in the nets, and a source indicates he could target Mumbai's matches on January 3 and 6 if cleared. His progress will also be crucial for selection in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. A return would boost India's middle order as they build towards the 2027 World Cup.

Key Points: Shreyas Iyer's Recovery & Potential Vijay Hazare, ODI Return

  • Recovering from spleen injury
  • Batting in nets resumed
  • Potential Vijay Hazare return Jan 3/6
  • ODI selection for NZ series pending
2 min read

Will speak to Shreyas Iyer on his Vijay Hazare Trophy availability, says MCA Secretary

MCA to discuss Shreyas Iyer's availability for Vijay Hazare Trophy as he recovers from injury, with ODI selection against New Zealand pending.

"He's targeting maybe the last two Vijay Hazare Trophy games to return to playing action. - Source tracking recovery"

New Delhi, Dec 28

Mumbai Cricket Association Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said the association will speak to India batter Shreyas Iyer regarding his availability for the later stages of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Iyer has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) since December 25 for further assessment of his recovery from a serious spleen injury suffered during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in October.

"No, we have not spoken to Shreyas yet. But we will speak to him about his availability. As of now, there is no official confirmation on this. But it may come in the next few days from him," Khanvilkar told IANS on Sunday.

A day before arriving at the CoE in Bengaluru, IANS had reported that Iyer resumed batting after restarting lightweight gym training. He batted for nearly 30-34 minutes at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) nets in Mumbai.

A source tracking Iyer's recovery said if all goes well and the clearance from CoE comes, Iyer could play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6, respectively.

It would be interesting to see if the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picks Iyer in the squad for three ODIs against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. The Agarkar-led panel is set to meet to select the squad in the first week of January.

"The progress of Shreyas in CoE has been good so far. He's targeting maybe the last two Vijay Hazare Trophy games to return to playing action. It's up to selectors now to decide on his return to the ODI team," further said the source.

If Iyer returns to the ODI set-up, it will be a major boost for the side looking to firm up their plans for the 2027 World Cup. Following the series opener in Vadodara, India, New Zealand will play the next two ODIs in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see a structured recovery process. The CoE assessment is crucial. If he gets clearance, playing those two domestic games is the perfect way to test his match fitness before the NZ ODIs. Smart planning by the team management.
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Ananya R
As a Mumbaikar, I'd love to see him back in blue for Mumbai! But honestly, the selectors need to think long-term. We have a solid bench. Maybe let him play the trophy games and see how he holds up before the national call-up.
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Vikram M
Spleen injury is no joke. He was batting so well before that. Hope the CoE gives a thorough green signal. Our middle order needs his stability. Fingers crossed for Jaipur! 🤞
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think there's too much focus on one player's return. The article mentions firming up plans for 2027. Shouldn't we be giving consistent chances to youngsters like Tilak or Jaiswal in ODIs during such series instead?
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Priya S
Good progress! Batting at CCI nets is a positive sign. Jaipur matches on 3rd and 6th, then selection meeting... the timing is tight. Hope the communication between MCA, CoE, and selectors is smooth. All the best Shreyas!

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