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Shreyas Iyer pain-free in nets, BCCI CoE assessment to decide NZ ODIs and VHT return

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer back in the nets after injury setback [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Shreyas Iyer back in the nets after injury setback [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

In the latest developments, Shreyas Iyer has taken a significant step in his recovery from the abdominal injury, resuming batting practice in Mumbai on December 24.

The Punjab Kings skipper, who has been sidelined since October, batted for nearly an hour without discomfort. He is now 'en route' to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for a comprehensive assessment, which will determine his return timeline.

Shreyas Iyer healing the injury quicker than expected

While a comeback of Shreyas Iyer during India's ODI series against New Zealand in January remains uncertain, participation in the latter stages of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy is a possibility being explored.

The right-hander last played during the ODI series against Australia before the injury ruled him out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the South Africa ODIs. He has since resumed gym work and fitness sessions, with all post-injury scans showing positive signs.

BCCI official confirms Shreyas is ‘pain free’

A BCCI official close to the developments stated, "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. India next play New Zealand and while that could still be touch and go, a return in the later stages of Vijay Hazare Trophy can't be ruled out at this stage," as quoted by TOI.

Iyer is expected to spend four to six days at the CoE, where his roadmap will be finalised. 

"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. Like with every player, he won't be rushed back but efforts will be directed towards his speedy return," the official added.

The squad for the New Zealand ODIs, beginning January 11, is likely to be announced in early January. Iyer’s availability for that series is currently in the clouds, yet the quicker recovery hints at a possible comeback.