Relief news for Team India before NZ ODI series, Shreyas Iyer shows glimpse of fitness in the nets

By Samira Vishwas On Dec 28, 2025

Shreyas Iyer is once again seen taking another strong step towards returning to the field. He was away from the field for a long time after suffering a serious injury during the Sydney ODI against Australia in September. Recently, his IPL team Punjab Kings has shared a video on social media, in which he is seen batting in the nets at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Shreyas Iyer was seen in complete control in the video. He was seen playing shots with smooth movement on the crease and on some occasions even moved forward and attacked the ball. Due to injury, he was out of India’s ODI series against South Africa, but now there is hope of his comeback for the ODI series against New Zealand to be held in January.

VIDEO:

!#ShreyasIyer pic.twitter.com/OaIRAs3ni2
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 26, 2025

It is noteworthy that Shreyas Iyer suffered this injury while taking a catch in the Sydney ODI, in which his spleen got ruptured and he had to be admitted to the hospital due to internal bleeding. After treatment and rest, he was gradually allowed to start training.

In his absence, in the ODI series against South Africa, India tried Ruturaj Gaikwad at number four, who strengthened his claim by scoring a century in Ranchi. However, if Shreyas is fully fit, he can directly make a place in the team as vice-captain.

The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will start from January 11. At present, Shreyas has started batting practice, but match fitness still remains a big question. In such a situation, there is a possibility that before returning to the team, he may have to play domestic cricket, i.e. for Mumbai in the currently ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The selection committee can announce the ODI team against New Zealand in the first week of January and if everything goes well, then Shreyas’s name can be included on the basis of fitness.