The year 2026 holds major significance for Team India, with a World Cup on the horizon and renewed emphasis on strong Test performances. Against this backdrop, concerns have intensified around Shreyas Iyer, whose return to competitive cricket appears increasingly uncertain following an injury sustained while fielding against Australia.
Injury setback and comeback timeline
After the injury, positive updates on Shreyas Iyer’s fitness have been scarce. While there was optimism that he would recover in time for domestic action, recent developments suggest his road back has become more complicated. Experts now believe that the prolonged recovery could significantly delay his return to the national setup.
Medical concerns and weight loss
Shreyas recently resumed practice at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, raising hopes of an imminent comeback. He was even expected to regain full fitness in time to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. During the IPL mini-auction, Shreyas himself had stated that he was feeling fit and confident about his recovery. However, the latest update has dampened that optimism.
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According to a Times of India report quoting a BCCI official, there are no issues with Shreyas’s batting. The primary concern, however, is physical conditioning. The official revealed that Shreyas has lost nearly six kilograms following the injury, leading to muscle deterioration and reduced strength. Given his importance to India’s plans, the medical team is unwilling to take any risks and prefers a cautious approach. A final assessment of his fitness is expected before the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand is announced.
Vijay Hazare Trophy ruled out
As a result of these concerns, Shreyas Iyer will not feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. An official from the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed that they have been advised to adopt a go-slow policy with the batter. Shreyas was scheduled to play two matches for Mumbai on January 3 and January 6, but those plans have now been shelved.
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The BCCI is expected to provide a final update on Shreyas Iyer’s fitness around January 9, with the ODI squad announcement likely on January 11. Until then, uncertainty continues to surround one of India’s key middle-order batters at a time when long-term planning for 2026 is already underway.
