In a significant boost for Mumbai cricket, star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is poised to make his competitive return following a harrowing injury. Iyer has been cleared to play the last two league matches for Mumbai in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic one-day tournament.
Comeback After a Life-Threatening Setback
The 31-year-old middle-order batsman suffered a grave injury in October 2025 during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. The incident occurred when Iyer attempted a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey. The impact resulted in a laceration of his spleen accompanied by internal bleeding, necessitating immediate hospitalization in Sydney.
The severity of the injury was immense. Medical reports indicated that Iyer's oxygen levels plummeted to a critical 50, and he experienced a complete blackout, leaving him unable to stand properly for nearly ten minutes. The recovery process was deliberately slow and cautious, with the medical team ensuring no rush, leading to a three-month absence from international cricket.
Road to Recovery and Clearance
Iyer's path back to the field involved an intensive rehabilitation program. Adhering to the BCCI's strict 'return to play protocol', he spent ten days at the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. There, he underwent rigorous physical tests and participated in a practice match to assess his fitness.
His efforts bore fruit when he received official clearance from the COE medical team on January 3, 2026. Following this, Iyer promptly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his availability. MCA secretary Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar confirmed that Iyer will be added to the squad for the matches scheduled for January 6 and January 8.
Mumbai's Star-Studded Line-Up for Final League Games
Shreyas Iyer will travel to Jaipur on Sunday, January 4, to join his Mumbai teammates. He is set to feature in the crucial league encounters against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. His return adds considerable firepower to a Mumbai batting line-up that is also expecting reinforcements.
In a parallel development, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube are also likely to be available for these two matches. The trio's participation serves as vital match practice ahead of the national team's next assignment—a five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning in Nagpur on January 21.
Iyer's comeback is being closely watched by fans and selectors alike, marking a triumphant return from an injury that threatened not just his career but his well-being. His presence will be a significant morale booster for the Mumbai side as they aim to finish the league stage on a high note.
