The BCCI on Saturday (January 3) announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer named as vice-captain. However, the board clarified that Iyer’s inclusion will depend on his getting full fitness clearance.
Iyer has not played any competitive match since October 25, 2025, after he suffered an injury while fielding during the ODI series against Australia in Sydney.
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Fitness test through the Vijay Hazare Trophy
As per reports, Iyer is likely to play Mumbai’s next Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh in Jaipur on Tuesday (January 6) to assess his fitness. If he is declared fit, he will travel to Vadodara immediately and join the Indian team ahead of the first ODI on January 11.
If fitness concerns remain, Iyer may play another Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Punjab in Jaipur on January 8 before linking up with the India squad.
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According to Cricbuzz, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be drafted into the squad if Iyer fails to get clearance. “In the unlikely event of Iyer not getting clearance, the selectors will draft Ruturaj Gaikwad into the squad. But the chances of that are very remote,” the report said.
Gaikwad, who bats in the top order, scored 8 and 105 in the first two ODIs against South Africa in 2025. He is currently captaining Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and recently scored 124 against Uttarakhand and 66 against Mumbai.
