All eyes are on India's premier domestic one-day tournament as two of the nation's top batting stars make their much-anticipated return from injuries. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has gained significant attention with the comeback of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, just days before the national team's ODI series against New Zealand.
Star Batters Return to Domestic Action
Shubman Gill will represent Punjab in the tournament, marking his first competitive cricket appearance since a toe injury sidelined him. The Indian T20I vice-captain had to miss the final two games against South Africa last month due to this issue. Prior to that, he was also ruled out of the second Test and the three ODIs against the Proteas because of a neck spasm.
Similarly, Shreyas Iyer is back for Mumbai, playing his first match since October of last year. The Indian middle-order batter suffered a spleen injury during the team's tour of Australia, which has kept him out of action for several months.
Road to Recovery and National Selection
The timing of their return is crucial, with the ODI series against New Zealand looming. The Vijay Hazare Trophy serves as the perfect platform for both players to prove their fitness and form before potential national team selection. Their performances will be closely monitored by the national selectors and team management.
For Gill, this tournament is an opportunity to regain his rhythm after a disruptive period marked by two separate injuries. For Iyer, it's about demonstrating that he has fully recovered from a significant health setback and is ready to reclaim his spot in the middle order.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The return of these key players injects excitement and quality into the domestic tournament. It also provides a significant boost to their respective state teams, Punjab and Mumbai, who will benefit from their international experience and skill.
The broader implication is for the Indian team's batting lineup. A successful comeback for both Gill and Iyer would strengthen India's options ahead of a busy international calendar. Their journey in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is not just about state glory but is a critical step in their personal comebacks to the highest level of the game.
