India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for assessment of his recovery from a spleen injury suffered during the third ODI against Australia on October 25. The 30-year-old batter has resumed batting practice in Mumbai after nearly two months of rest following a serious spleen laceration that required hospitalization and a minor surgical procedure in Sydney. While his recovery is progressing well, his availability for India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January remains uncertain, with the CoE medical team set to decide the next steps after a thorough evaluation.

Serious injury in Sydney ODI

Iyer suffered a spleen laceration while attempting a diving catch to dismiss Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey during the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. Scans at a Sydney hospital revealed internal bleeding that required immediate hospitalization and intensive care. He underwent a minor surgical procedure to control the bleeding and was closely monitored by local medical specialists in Australia and India, including the Indian team doctor, before being cleared to fly back home.

The injury forced Iyer out of action for the entire domestic season so far, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the early stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His absence was a significant blow to Mumbai’s campaigns in both tournaments.

CoE assessment to determine timeline

Sources familiar with the matter told IANS that Iyer flew from Mumbai to Bengaluru on Thursday to begin his assessment at the Centre of Excellence. The medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation over the next four to six days to determine how much more recovery time he needs and when he can be declared match fit.

A source said,

“Today, Iyer will report to CoE, as he flew to Bengaluru from Mumbai earlier in the day. As of now, there’s no clarity on how many days he will spend there. It might take about four to six days for the medical team to assess him thoroughly. After that, the CoE will decide the further course of action and set clear timelines in terms of his total recovery and likelihood of being match fit.”

Positive signs from batting practice

The encouraging news is that Iyer has started batting again after beginning lightweight gym training nearly ten days ago. He batted for around 30-45 minutes at the Cricket Club of India nets in Mumbai, and sources say he felt no pain or discomfort during the session.

Another source tracking his recovery said,

“Even after batting yesterday, he was reported to be okay and has been feeling better about himself. There were no indications of pain or anything else.”

This suggests his recovery is progressing well, but the BCCI is taking a cautious approach given the serious nature of the injury. Spleen lacerations can have long-term complications if not managed properly, so rushing his return could be risky.

Uncertain for New Zealand ODIs, might play Vijay Hazare or IPL

Iyer’s participation in India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January remains uncertain at this stage. Much will depend on what the CoE assessment reveals about his fitness and readiness for international cricket.

Sources explained the possible scenarios:

“If it’s felt that his total recovery requires more time, then Iyer can be told to come back for another assessment after either 10 days or one week. After that, if he’s deemed match fit, he could play Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Mumbai. But if that doesn’t happen, he might play straightaway in IPL 2026, where he captains Punjab Kings.”

The Vijay Hazare Trophy is ongoing, and Mumbai could benefit from having their star batter available for the knockout stages if his fitness allows. However, if the BCCI medical team feels he needs more time, Iyer might skip domestic cricket altogether and make his comeback directly in IPL 2026, where he will lead Punjab Kings after being bought for Rs 26.75 crore at the mega auction.