India batsman Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to return to competitive cricket for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking a major step in his recovery from injury and putting him back in contention for national selection. The 30-year-old is expected to feature in Vijay Hazare’s upcoming match in Mumbai on January 6, effectively serving as a final checkpoint before a potential return to international cricket.
India Today has exclusively learned that Iyer successfully completed his first 50-over return-to-play (RTP) match simulation on 2 January 2026. The match in Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh will double as his second RTP match, which is scheduled as part of the clearance protocol set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Only after completing both match simulations without any hiccups they will be considered fully eligible for cue ball selection.
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However, the timing remains tight. The BCCI is expected to announce the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand as early as January 3. This means that Iyer’s inclusion could depend not only on a medical but also on how long the selectors are willing to wait. Ideally, the Indian selectors are expected to keep a close eye on the encounter in Mumbai on January 6, but there is also a possibility that the selectors will favor players who are already fit for the match.
As part of his rehabilitation, Iyer checked into the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru on 25 December and entered the final phase of his recovery. Since then, he has shown steady progress in strength and conditioning, completing four high-intensity skills sessions involving both batting and fielding. The match simulation was designed as the last hurdle before the competition.
Iyer’s injury dates back to October 25, when he suffered a serious blow during India’s third ODI against Australia. While attempting a catch near the third-man boundary, he lost his balance and landed heavily on his ribcage, resulting in internal bleeding and damage to his spleen. The injury then ruled him out indefinitely and forced him to miss the home series against South Africa and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In his absence, India tested alternatives, most notably Ruturaj Gaikwad, who impressed during the ODI series against South Africa. The performance strengthened Gaikwad’s case and added competition for middle-order spots.
While Iyer’s return to fitness now appears imminent, his immediate international return may depend on both timing and form. As India continue to mold their white-ball core ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Vijay Hazare’s outing could prove crucial in deciding whether Iyer will board the flight to New Zealand or be asked to wait a little longer.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 3, 2026
