Will Shreyas Iyer return for the ODI series against New Zealand? Big update on fitness

By Samira Vishwas On Dec 26, 2025

Indian ODI team vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has taken a big step towards returning to the field ahead of the white-ball series against New Zealand. According to a report in The Times of India, he had his first full batting session in Mumbai on Wednesday (24 December), which was his first such practice session since the serious injury suffered during the Australia tour.

According to the report, Shreyas Iyer batted for about an hour and during this time he did not feel any pain or discomfort. This sign is being considered a relief for the Indian team management and Iyer himself. However, the medical team of BCCI and National Cricket Academy is taking utmost care in this matter.

Now Shreyas Iyer will reach the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru to further his recovery, where his fitness and workload will be closely monitored for the next 4 to 6 days. During this time, the final decision regarding his return will be taken.

At present, there is no fixed time frame for Shreyas Iyer’s return to cricket, but according to the report, he is trying to play in the final phase of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. If everything goes well, his name can be seen in the last matches of this domestic tournament.

Shreyas Iyer’s availability is still in doubt for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. The team is to be announced in the first week of January, so their fitness report will play an important role in this decision.

It is noteworthy that Shreyas Iyer is away from cricket since October 2025. He last played the ODI series against Australia, where an injury to his left rib while fielding forced him to miss the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 and the ODI series against South Africa.