Overview
- Iyer was denied Return-to-Play clearance at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on December 30 and will remain in rehab for targeted strength work.
- He lost about 6 kg after an abdominal injury on the Australia tour; he is batting without pain but remains below the required power metrics.
- Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy group matches on January 3 and 6 are now off the table for him, with the January 12 knockouts viewed as the earliest realistic return.
- India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series starting January 11 is expected in early January, and selectors will be formally briefed on his fitness as his availability remains uncertain.
- He cleared an initial RTP test on December 28 and has been completing supervised fielding, batting and fitness drills at the Bengaluru facility.