Shreyas Iyer Targets New Zealand Return as BCCI Assesses His Fitness

Team India middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer could be available for the January 2026 ODI series against New Zealand at home. The cricketer experienced a freak injury while operating as a fielder against Australia in October 2025 but could be available for India’s next ODI campaign.

Several reports claim that Iyer is now at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for a thorough assessment and potential full rehabilitation for India’s next 50-over series.

BCCI Insider Reveals that Iyer is Pain Free and Could Be Fit for New Zealand

A source familiar with Iyer’s situation at the BCCI revealed the cricketer no longer feels pain after his injury vs Australia during the third ODI match in that series:

“The good sign is that he is pain free at the moment and batted without any trouble in Mumbai on Wednesday. India next play New Zealand and while that could still be touch and go, a return in the later stages of Vijay Hazare Trophy can’t be ruled out at this stage,” the insider said.

 Iyer already back to normal training, currently awaiting full CoE assessment

The BCCI insider further claimed that Iyer is already in regular training and there are no red flags citing potential issues at the moment:

“He is already back to regular training in the gym. So, no red flags there at the moment but all depends on the CoE assessment. He will be there for anywhere between four to six days,” explained the source. Like with every player, he won’t be rushed back but efforts will be directed towards his speedy return,” the source added.

Who May Replace Iyer If He Fails to Gain Fitness for New Zealand ODIs

Ruturaj Gaikwad looks like the best option for Team India’s selectors if Shreyas Iyer does not attain full match-fitness in time for New Zealand. Gaikwad stepped in for Iyer against South Africa and bagged an impressive ton for his efforts, even while not in his natural position.

Selectors may consider Gaikwad’s versatility if they actively need to seek alternatives to Iyer vs New Zealand.

BCCI Yet to Announce ODI Squad vs New Zealand Few Days to Two-Format Series

It is clear that the BCCI is waiting patiently for confirmation on Iyer’s situation before releasing their ODI squad to face New Zealand at home in a few days’ time. New Zealand already has their lineup available for the ODI and T20I series while India only released their twenty-over lineup few weeks ago.

New Zealand Tour of India 2026 ODI Squad

It is still unclear if India will include veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in their lineup. Both players continue to restate their availability for ODI cricket as they eye spots at the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

BCCI Includes Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in Squad for NZ T20Is, Broadens Opening Choices

A debate raged on among fans and analysts few weeks ago regarding an opening partner with Abhishek Sharma. Several commentators believe there would be a selection headache over playing wicketkeepers Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson alongside Sharma in the opening slot.

The BCCI decided to include both players in their squad, signalling the team’s readiness to broaden their selection scope against a stubborn New Zealand team.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side and fill in as a reliable middle-order option with his assured aggression against spinners. He will have Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube to work with during the middle overs before handing over to finishers like Rinku Singh if necessary.

India also packs a strong bowling contingent for this showpiece encounter with pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana securing a place in this lineup.