New Delhi
India batter Shreyas Iyer will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, as he is yet to receive medical clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a serious spleen injury sustained in October.
Iyer suffered a spleen laceration while attempting a diving catch during an ODI against Australia, an incident that led to internal bleeding and required immediate hospitalisation in Sydney. He underwent a minor surgical procedure to control the bleeding and was kept under close observation by medical specialists in Australia, in coordination with the Indian team doctor, before being allowed to return home.
Although Iyer has resumed batting and begun skill-based training this week, concerns remain over his ability to meet the physical demands of a full 50-over match. According to medical assessments, the 30-year-old has not regained sufficient fielding strength post-surgery, a key factor in the BCCI’s decision to withhold clearance. Reports indicate that Iyer lost around six kilograms following the injury, primarily due to a reduction in muscle mass during recovery.
Earlier media reports had suggested that Iyer could feature in Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches on January 3 and 6 as part of his return-to-play pathway before joining the Indian squad in Vadodara. However, those plans are now uncertain. A BCCI source clarified that both his participation in domestic cricket and international fixtures would depend on how his body responds to the rigours of extended match play.
“Shreyas Iyer has started skill training and is in good shape,” the source said. “But his ability to field in a 50-over game needs to be assessed before he can be put back on the park.”
Iyer’s absence is a setback for India ahead of the New Zealand series, given his importance in the middle order. The team management is expected to continue monitoring his recovery closely, with a cautious approach aimed at ensuring his long-term fitness rather than risking a premature return.
