Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Shreyas Iyer's ODI Spot Hinges on Fitness Test
Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of India's cricket team, is trying to come back from an injury he got while playing against Australia.
He needs to pass a fitness test in a match on January 6, 2026, to play in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
If he doesn't pass, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been playing well recently, might take his place.
Meanwhile, Iyer will captain Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing Shardul Thakur, who is also injured.
The ODI series is scheduled for January 11, 14, and 18, 2026, in different cities in India.
Shreyas Iyer's participation in the ODI series against New Zealand depends on fitness clearance.
Iyer has not played since October 25, 2025, due to a fielding injury that required hospitalization.
He will play a Vijay Hazare Trophy match on January 6, 2026, to prove his fitness and captain Mumbai in the tournament.
If Iyer fails to get clearance, Ruturaj Gaikwad will replace him in the squad.
The ODI series against New Zealand is scheduled for January 11, 14, and 18, 2026, in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore respectively.
- Who
- Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur
- What
- Shreyas Iyer's potential replacement in India's ODI squad
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- Shreyas Iyer's fitness clearance pending
Inclusion
Exclusion
Iyer's Fitness
Inclusion
Iyer should be included if he passes the fitness test.
Exclusion
Iyer should be excluded if he fails the fitness test.
- Shreyas Iyer's Injury
- Fielding injury on October 25, 2025, laceration of the spleen with internal bleeding
- Fitness Test
- Vijay Hazare Trophy match on January 6, 2026
- Potential Replacement
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- ODI Series
- Three matches against New Zealand
- Series Dates
- January 11, 14, 18, 2026
- Venues
- Vadodara, Rajkot, Indore
- Gaikwad's Recent Scores
- 124 and 66 in Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Iyer's Leadership Role
- Captain of Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Injured Player Replaced
- Shardul Thakur
Sources
28-Year-Old Star To Replace Shreyas Iyer In ODI Squad If India Vice-Captain Fails To Get Fitness Clearance
Kris Srikkanth questions Nitish Reddy’s inclusion in Indian team for NZ series: ‘How is he looked at as an all-rounder… teams will smash him everywhere’
Shreyas Iyer to captain Mumbai on his comeback from injury in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer to lead Mumbai in remainder of Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer To Lead Mumbai in Remainder of Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer named Mumbai captain for Vijay Hazare
Fit-again Shreyas Iyer returns as Mumbai captain ahead of New Zealand ODI series
Shreyas Iyer Set To Lead Mumbai For Remainder Of Vijay Hazare Trophy
