Shreyas Iyer Back In Action, Heads To CoE For Practice Sessions

Indian cricket’s middle-order mainstay Shreyas Iyer has reached an encouraging milestone in his rehabilitation journey after a significant injury layoff, resuming batting and moving to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for advanced net sessions and assessment. This progression marks a positive turn for the India ODI vice-captain as he works towards regaining full fitness and competitive readiness for upcoming international and domestic assignments.

Iyer, a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup and captain of the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), had been sidelined due to a blunt abdominal injury sustained during the ODI series against Australia in October 2025. The severity of the injury kept him out of action for the remainder of the ODI series and several domestic competitions, with uncertainty clouding his availability for the early 2026 season.

His first batting session on December 24 in Mumbai was a noteworthy step in his rehabilitation. Reports indicate that he batted for nearly an hour without any pain or discomfort, a strong indication that his recovery is on the right trajectory. Following this session, Iyer travelled to the BCCI CoE where he will undergo further net training and medical evaluations to determine his progress and readiness for competitive matches.

At the CoE, Iyer will work with medical staff, physiotherapists, and BCCI performance coaches who will monitor his movement patterns, response to cricket-specific drills, and overall fitness parameters. This assessment will help the Board of Control for Cricket in India decide when he can safely return to match conditions, a crucial decision for selectors and team management with important series looming on the calendar.

The timing of Iyer’s return will be watched closely, especially as India prepares for the ODI series against New Zealand starting in January 2026. Should he receive full fitness clearance, it could significantly bolster India’s batting depth at a time when the team seeks stability and experience in the middle order. Even if he misses the New Zealand series, his presence on the brink of return sends a morale-boosting signal to teammates and supporters alike.

Beyond international fixtures, Iyer’s comeback also holds importance for domestic cricket. The Vijay Hazare Trophy India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament could offer a platform for him to build match intensity and regain rhythm before re-entering the high-pressure international circuit. Team management may prefer this phased approach, giving him controlled exposure in domestic matches before international duties.

Shreyas Iyer’s return to batting and subsequent training at the CoE are encouraging developments not just for him, but for Indian cricket as a whole. Known for his composure under pressure, elegant strokeplay, and leadership qualities, Iyer brings experience and balance to India’s middle order a role that will be even more critical in the lead-up to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

As Iyer continues his recovery journey, fans and experts alike will be keenly watching for updates from the BCCI. His successful rehabilitation could mark the return of one of India’s most dependable batsmen and a key strategist in limited-overs cricket providing a timely boost to the team’s campaign across formats.