Overview
- The BCCI Centre of Excellence granted Iyer full fitness clearance on January 7, confirming his availability for the entire ODI series in New Zealand.
- Selectors had named him in the squad with a fitness clause, and the CoE signed off earlier than expected before his planned January 8 domestic outing.
- Iyer’s comeback assessment included scans, supervised training and an 82 off 53 for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy without any reported discomfort.
- He had been sidelined since October after a lacerated spleen during the Sydney ODI against Australia that required hospitalisation and a multi‑month layoff.
- His return is expected to restore him at No. 4 and as vice-captain, potentially squeezing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s role, with a reported note from VVS Laxman informing chief selector Ajit Agarkar of his availability.