In a significant boost for Mumbai cricket, star batters Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, along with all-rounder Shivam Dube, are set to return to competitive action in the domestic circuit. The trio will feature in Mumbai's final two league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled for January 6 and 8 in Jaipur.
Fitness Clearance Paves Way for Comeback
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed the development on Saturday. MCA secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar stated that Shreyas Iyer received his clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) on Saturday itself. All three players are expected to reach Jaipur on Sunday, January 5, ahead of Mumbai's crucial encounters against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
This return is particularly crucial for Iyer, who has been out of action for three months due to a severe abdominal injury. The 31-year-old suffered a laceration of the spleen with internal bleeding on October 25, 2025, during an ODI against Australia in Sydney. The injury forced him to miss the home series against South Africa.
Structured Return-to-Play Protocol
Iyer's comeback follows a meticulously planned rehabilitation program. He reported to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on December 25 and has since made steady progress. His rehabilitation included:
- Four high-intensity skill sessions involving batting and fielding.
- Successful completion of his first 50-over return-to-play (RTP) match simulation on January 2.
The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh on January 6 will serve as Iyer's second and final mandatory RTP match simulation. As per the BCCI's protocol, only after completing both simulations without any setbacks will he be deemed fully fit for national selection. The board's statement on Saturday, announcing the ODI squad for New Zealand, had listed Iyer's availability as "subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE."
National Duty and Domestic Commitment
The push for playing domestic cricket extends beyond Iyer. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had instructed all Indian players who featured in the recent T20I series against South Africa to participate in at least two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. This directive explains the involvement of T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and the in-form Shivam Dube, both of whom were part of the South Africa series.
Their participation is seen as essential match practice ahead of India's next international assignment—a home T20I series against New Zealand beginning January 21. The upcoming VHT games provide an ideal platform to regain competitive rhythm.
Rahane Opts for Rest
In a related development, former India and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane will not be part of the Vijay Hazare Trophy league stage. A source indicated that Rahane has chosen to rest and recover, with plans to return for the second leg of the Ranji Trophy. This decision highlights the careful workload management being undertaken for experienced players.
The return of Iyer, Suryakumar, and Dube significantly strengthens Mumbai's lineup for their final push in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. More importantly, it marks a critical step in Shreyas Iyer's journey back to full fitness, with the national team's demanding schedule looming large.
