The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the men's One Day International squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, marking a significant comeback for one pacer while casting uncertainty over a key batter's availability.
Siraj's Welcome Return and Iyer's Fitness Race
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has made a comeback to the ODI setup after a period away, bolstering India's pace attack. His inclusion is seen as a major boost for the team's bowling resources.
However, the squad announcement comes with a crucial caveat concerning middle-order mainstay Shreyas Iyer. Iyer's participation is strictly subject to fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence (COE).
The Road to Recovery for Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer's path back to the national team has been challenging. The batter faced a serious health scare during the ODI series in Australia in November 2025, when he was hospitalised for a spleen laceration.
To earn the green light from the COE, Iyer must now prove his match fitness in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy this month. His performances and physical readiness in the domestic 50-over tournament will be closely monitored by the NCA's medical team before a final decision is made.
What This Means for Team India
The selection highlights the selectors' dual approach: rewarding consistent performers like Siraj while adopting a cautious, safety-first protocol for players returning from significant injuries. The team management is clearly prioritizing long-term player health over short-term gains.
All eyes will now be on Iyer's outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. A successful comeback would solidify India's batting lineup, while any setback could prompt the team to look at other options in the middle order for the important series against New Zealand.
The series is poised to be a critical part of India's preparation for future ICC events, making the composition of a full-strength squad a top priority for the selectors and team management alike.
