IND vs NZ 2026: Indian Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer Cleared to Join ODI Series Squad

Indian ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has received the green light to join India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Iyer, who was included in India’s 15-member squad earlier this month pending fitness clearance, has proven his readiness by participating in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26. He’s all set to reunite with the national team on Friday, January 9. 

India will kick off the series against New Zealand in the first ODI on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. Iyer’s return is significant as it marks his comeback to international cricket after suffering a serious spleen injury during the ODI against Australia in Sydney back in October.

The 31-year-old experienced internal bleeding from a spleen laceration while trying to catch the ball and had to be hospitalized. Consequently, he missed India’s home series against South Africa. 

Iyer’s value in the ODI format is highlighted by his impressive stats. He has racked up 2,917 runs in 67 innings, boasting an average of over 45, and has earned accolades for his calm demeanor and temperament in the middle order.

Additionally, he has scored 811 runs in Tests and 1,104 runs in T20Is, but it’s his reliability in the 50-over format that has solidified his role as a crucial player in India’s lineup. 

The Mumbai batter has shown promising form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 82 and 45 in his two matches. With Shardul Thakur sidelined due to injury, Iyer also took on the captaincy for Mumbai in those games. 

Most of India’s ODI squad members arrived in Vadodara on January 7. The city is gearing up to host its first men’s international match in over 15 years, with the newly constructed Kotambi Stadium already having hosted Women’s Premier League matches and women’s ODIs. 

India full ODI squad vs New Zealand 

Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal