![Shreyas Iyer set to lead Mumbai [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767599466946_Shreyas Iyer set to lead Mumbai.jpg)
Shreyas Iyer set to lead Mumbai [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Shreyas Iyer is all set to return to competitive 50-over format and will lead the Mumbai in their final two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. This development comes after confirmation that the Indian ODI vice-captain will take part in the tournament following a long recovery period.
Mumbai announce Shreyas Iyer as their captain
At the same time, he will step in as captain for Mumbai after regular skipper Shardul Thakur was ruled out earlier this week due to a calf injury.
"Shreyas will lead Mumbai in their last two league matches of the VHT. Thakur has been ruled out for one to three weeks," a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association told TOl.
The 31-year-old batter has been away from action for several months following a serious spleen injury suffered last October. Now, he is preparing to play his first official match since then, marking an important phase in his comeback journey.
Iyer will feature in Mumbai’s match against Himachal Pradesh on January 6, 2026.
What happened to Shreyas Iyer?
The injury occurred during the third and final ODIl between India and Australia in Sydney. While attempting a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey, Iyer took a heavy blow that caused a laceration to his spleen along with internal bleeding.
Iyer was immediately taken to a hospital in Sydney, where doctors treated him for internal haemorrhage. He remained under medical care for several days before being discharged in early November.
The seriousness of the injury meant a lengthy recovery period. At one point, his oxygen levels reportedly dropped to 50, and he experienced moments of disorientation and weakness.
For several minutes, he was unable to stand properly, and his surroundings faded from view. Medical staff closely monitored his condition, and his return to sport was planned with great care to ensure long-term safety.
Following hospital treatment, Iyer went through a structured rehabilitation programme. As part of the official return-to-play protocol, he spent ten days at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. During this time, he also took part in a practice match, where he batted without pain and completed all required drills before and after the game.
Shreyas Iyer included in India's ODI squad
After clearing the necessary fitness tests, Iyer received conditional approval to play in the VHT. The upcoming match against Himachal Pradesh is especially important, as he will need to complete it without discomfort to receive final clearance from the medical team.
Earlier match simulations on January 2 went smoothly, and selectors have already included him in India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, subject to final fitness approval.
From a team perspective, Mumbai currently sit second in Elite Group C with 16 points from five matches. They need at least one win from their remaining fixtures to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Alongside Iyer, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube are also expected to feature in both games. Their next national assignment is the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins in Nagpur on January 21.
