Shreyas Iyer (Source: X)
In a latest development in Indian cricket, star middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer, has reportedly shown an improvement at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Notably, Iyer has been out of action since he sustained ‘laceration of the spleen’, an internal organ injury, in the ODI series against Australia.
Last month, he reported to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to complete his recovery phase, aiming for the ODI comeback for India.
A report by SportsTak states that the 31-year-old batter will undergo a ‘two-match simulation’ on Friday, followed by the second one on Monday, January 5.
“He has successfully completed four high-intensity skill sessions encompassing both batting and fielding,” read the report.
“Based on his current physical status and successful attainment of the prescribed rehabilitation and performance milestones, he is scheduled to undertake two match-simulation sessions on 2nd and 5th January 2026 before getting clearance for the white-ball format,” it added further.
BCCI and MCA clear stance on Shreyas Iyer’s recovery
Just a few days back, a BCCI official also came up with an update on Shreyas Iyer’s recovery from the injury and his weight loss.
“There is no problem with his batting but he lost around six kgs after the injury in Australia. While he has regained some weight, there has been a drop in muscle mass which has further affected his optimum strength levels,” said the BCCI official to the Times of India.
“The medical team will not be taking any chances because he is a very important player in the ODI set up and his complete recovery is of utmost importance right now. The selectors and management will be conveyed about his present situation before they meet to pick the team for New Zealand ODIs,” he added later.
Besides this update from the BCCI official, a MCA official close to developments also cleared the Association’s stance on Iyer’s recovery phase. He also spoke about Iyer's absence in Mumbai’s upcoming games in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
“There were a lot of positive developments as he batted in Mumbai, went to CoE and was pushing himself to feature in the New Zealand ODIs. There were indications of him playing Vijay Hazare Trophy matches on January 3 and 6 too. Still, we have now been told that he needs more time and will only be available from the knockout stages of the tournament,” said the MCA official to the Times of India.
Iyer’s importance in India’s ODI setup
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the last ICC ODI tournament, Shreyas Iyer shone with the bat for India. He ended up as the second leading run-scorer in the tournament and the leading run-scorer for India in the tournament. Iyer also won the ICC Player of the Month award for his batting display in the tournament.
The right-hander scored 263 runs in five innings, with an average of 48.60, hitting two half-centuries, alongside a decisive 48-run knock against New Zealand in the final.
Given his contributions in the middle order, the Mumbai batter's place at number four in India’s ODI XI becomes very crucial considering the Men in Blue’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027.
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