India cricket team star Shreyas Iyer has taken a step closer to make his comeback for the first time since his injury in October 2025. The Mumbai batter, who was on the sidelines for months after an injury he sustained during the IND vs AUS ODI series, was at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) earlier this week, as he continued his rehabilitation. It has now been learnt that Iyer is just one hurdle away from receiving a full fitness clearance from the BCCI, which will pave way for his return to international cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s final hurdle
As per India Today, Shreyas has completed one of the two 50-over Return to Play match simulation which was held at the BCCI’s CoE. The second simulation will be Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Himachal Pradesh on January 6. The report states that a fitness clearance will be given to Iyer only if he completes the second RTP match simulation without any setbacks.
Meanwhile, a report by The Indian Express states that Shreyas has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association about his availability to play two VHT games.
“Iyer has informed us that he has got the clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE) today, and he can take part in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy game. He will be added for the last two games now, which are scheduled to be played on January 6 and 8,” MCA secretary Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar said.
After suffering a lacerated spleen with internal bleeding after a diving catch, Shreyas lost around 6 kilograms in the last 2 months. Therefore, he needed time to gain back that mass and for his game to be where it was prior to his abdominal injury. Earlier, reports stated that Shreyas had successfully cleared four high-intensity skill sessions, testing his batting and fielding and that the next step for him to get a green light for his return from the BCCI would be the two match simulations.
It remains to be seen if Shreyas will be named in India’s squad for the IND vs NZ ODIs which is expected to be announced on Saturday afternoon. While how Iyer fares in his second RTP match simulation is crucial, it will be interesting to see if the selectors will give him the long rope or instead just pick match-ready players.
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