India's ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is in a tight race against the clock to prove his fitness ahead of the national team selection for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. The selection committee, chaired by former pacer Ajit Agarkar, is set to name the squad soon, with Iyer's participation hanging in the balance.
Iyer's Road to Recovery and Final Fitness Hurdles
Shreyas Iyer has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since reporting there on December 25. Having recovered from a serious spleen injury sustained during the ODI against Australia in Sydney last October, the middle-order batsman has shown marked improvement. A BCCI source revealed that Iyer has completed four high-intensity skill sessions and a match-simulation on January 2.
His final test is another match-simulation scheduled for January 5. If he clears this, he will obtain the crucial 'Return to Play' certificate from the medical team. Potentially, Iyer could feature for Mumbai in their final Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur on January 8 before linking up with the Indian team in Vadodara for the series opener on January 11.
The selectors might opt to pick him under a 'subject to fitness' clause, similar to how Shubman Gill was selected for the T20Is against South Africa. If fit, Iyer's return would mean both India's ODI captain (Gill) and vice-captain are back after missing the South Africa series.
Selection Conundrums: Pant's Precarious Position and Shami's Chance
The selection meeting has gained extra significance due to the uncertain future of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Despite not playing an ODI since August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka, Pant faces the axe. His form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been inconsistent, scoring 121 runs in four matches at an average of 30.25.
If Pant is omitted, selectors could turn to in-form alternatives. Dhruv Jurel, with 307 runs in three VHT games at a stunning average of 153.50, is a strong contender. The case for recalling Ishan Kishan is also robust after his SMAT heroics where he topped the run charts.
In the bowling department, with Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for workload management, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is in line for a comeback. Shami has been impressive in domestic cricket since returning from injury, taking 20 wickets in four Ranji Trophy matches this season.
Series Schedule and Broader Squad Context
The ODI series against New Zealand begins in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18. This series is crucial for finalising combinations ahead of major tournaments.
In Iyer's absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad seized his opportunity at No. 4, scoring a brilliant 105 against South Africa. His performance adds a pleasant selection headache. Names like Devdutt Padikkal, who has been prolific in the VHT, may also be discussed, but with Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, his path is currently blocked.
All eyes are now on the January 5 fitness test for Shreyas Iyer and the subsequent virtual selection meeting led by Ajit Agarkar, which will shape India's squad for the final ODI assignment before the T20 World Cup.
