Shreyas Iyer Faces Tight Deadline Ahead of New Zealand ODIs; Is Mohammed Shami Set for a Comeback with India?
Having made significant strides in his recovery from a serious abdominal injury, India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is eager to rejoin the national team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The series kicks off on January 11 in Vadodara, with matches following in Rajkot and Indore. Iyer’s selection hinges on his fitness, similar to how Shubman Gill was included in a recent T20I series after rehabilitation. Both players missed the previous series against South Africa due to injuries, and their potential return could bolster India’s lineup.
Shreyas Iyer’s Road to Recovery
Shreyas Iyer has been working diligently to regain his fitness after suffering a severe spleen injury during an ODI match against Australia in October. This injury required hospitalization and sidelined him from subsequent competitions, including the ODI series against South Africa and domestic tournaments. Recently, Iyer participated in a match simulation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, showcasing his progress. A source from the BCCI confirmed that he has completed several high-intensity skill sessions, focusing on both batting and fielding. Iyer is expected to undergo another match simulation on January 5, which will determine his eligibility for the ODI series. If cleared, he may also play for Mumbai in their final Vijay Hazare Trophy match on January 8 before joining the national team.
Selection Dilemmas for the ODI Squad
As the national selection committee prepares for the ODI series against New Zealand, the spotlight is on Rishabh Pant, who has not played an ODI in over a year. Despite his recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 121 runs in four matches, there are discussions about his potential exclusion from the squad. The selectors may consider in-form players like Dhruv Jurel, who has excelled in the domestic circuit, or Ishan Kishan, who recently returned to the T20I side after a stellar run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The decision regarding Pant’s inclusion will be closely watched, as it could signal a shift in the team’s strategy ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Mohammed Shami’s Potential Comeback
With key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for the New Zealand series, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is poised for a possible return to the ODI setup. Shami has been a standout performer in previous World Cups, and his recent domestic form has been impressive, with 20 wickets in four Ranji matches this season. Although there were earlier concerns about his fitness, recent discussions between Shami and selectors indicate a positive shift in relations. His experience and skill could prove invaluable as India prepares for the upcoming series, especially with the need for depth in the bowling lineup.
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