Reason why Shreyas Iyer will miss upcoming ODI series against New Zealand

Indian cricket fans await star batter’s return Shreyas Iyer you will have to wait a little longer. Despite promising signs of recovery within the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE)The 30-year-old middle-order stalwart is expected to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealandfrom January 11, 2026.

Even though Iyer started batting in the nets again, a combination of medical precautions and physical criteria forced the selection committee to hit the pause button on his international return.

Reason why Shreyas Iyer won’t play in New Zealand series

The main reason for Iyer’s exclusion is the inability to get the mandatory Return to Play (RTP) clearance. According to media reports, although Iyer’s batting appears “painless” and smooth, his overall fitness is yet to reach the elite standards required for international cricket. The medical staff are particularly concerned about his ability to play a full 50-over match. High-intensity movements, such as diving, sliding, and fast throws, put significant strain on the abdominal area, which is still healing from its recent surgery.

Notably, the laceration of the spleen with internal bleeding that Iyer suffered in October put his life in danger. The subsequent recovery and surgery resulted in a significant physical setback. He is said to have lost around 6 kg during his stay in hospital and at the start of his rehabilitation. A more pressing concern for BCCI coaches is the loss of muscle mass, which has a direct impact on one’s “optimal strength levels”.

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A blow to Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare’s hopes

To prove his fitness, Iyer was expected to play for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy January 3 and 6. However, without the green signal from the Council of Europe, he will miss these crucial competitive matches. The current plan now sees him returning potentially only for the round of 16 of the domestic tournament (starting January 12), effectively ruling him out of New Zealand’s ODIs.

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