Shreyas Iyer's ODI return hinges on fitness but chances look strong

Shreyas Iyer may be a conditional pick for the ODI series against New Zealand, but his chances of making the side are more likely than not. Iyer, who last played an international match in October last year, appears set for a return.

While announcing the squad, the BCCI stated, "Shreyas Iyer's availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE." However, it is understood he is on the way to recovery and should play one or two of the three ODIs.

"He is almost there," said a source. "He should be available 99 per cent for the first game itself. The one per cent doubt from the COE is whether he can come through the 100 overs, and it will be ascertained in the Vijay Hazare game."

The Mumbai Cricket Association has confirmed Iyer will join the Mumbai squad in Jaipur and will certainly play the January 6 Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Himachal Pradesh. Should he get clearance, he will immediately rush to Baroda.

If doubts linger, he may play the January 8 game against Punjab to prove his fitness. The first ODI is on January 11.

In the unlikely event of Iyer not getting clearance, the selectors will draft Ruturaj Gaikwad into the squad. Iyer underwent surgery for a spleen injury sustained in an ODI against Australia last October.

Meanwhile, sources indicate Rishabh Pant's position was not in jeopardy, despite speculation about him being replaced by Ishan Kishan. The contention is there was no case for his replacement, as he has not had a chance to play an ODI.

Pant appears to have won favor with the selectors for his commitment to domestic cricket. He is currently leading Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, featuring in all their matches so far and scoring two half-centuries.

When not injured, Pant has been part of the ODI squad since the Champions Trophy, but KL Rahul has been preferred as wicketkeeper. He will continue to be the second choice in the upcoming series but may get a look-in at some stage. He last played an ODI in August 2024.