BCCI reportedly set to announce India squad for New Zealand ODIs on January 3.
Iyer's injury occurred during India's third and final one-day international against Australia on October 25. While attempting a grab near the third-man boundary, he lost his balance and landed severely on his rib cage.
Despite completing the catch, Iyer was visibly uncomfortable and had to be taken off the field. Subsequent medical examinations found internal hemorrhage and spleen damage, putting him out of action indefinitely.
Since then, Iyer has been under careful medical observation at the COE, undergoing a systematic and cautious recovery process. Rather than pushing his recovery, the emphasis has been on regaining full health and confidence.
The Indian batter will participate in match simulation sessions as a final stage before being evaluated for selection for the forthcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand.
On December 25, 2025, Iyer reported to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, marking the start of his final phase of rehabilitation. Since then, the 30-year-old's strength and conditioning have improved significantly, and he has completed four high-intensity skill sessions combining batting and fielding.
As part of the clearing protocol, India Today has reported that Iyer is set to go through two match-simulation sessions, the first on January 2 and the second on January 5. Clearance for white-ball formats will only be considered when he has completed both sessions without incident.
However, reports have indicated that BCCI might announce India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series on January 3, and it remains unclear whether Iyer will be included or not. His second simulation match is set for January 5, so if selectors decide to finalize the squad earlier and choose players who are already prepared for the encounter, the timing could work against him.
India has already looked into other options in Iyer's absence. Ruturaj Gaikwad's case for continued selection was strengthened when he was picked in the ODI team for the just-finished series against South Africa and made a solid impression. Gaikwad may benefit from that performance as India considers their alternatives for the New Zealand series.
Shreyas Iyer has missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy and the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, apart from the bilateral series against South Africa, due to his recovery from the said injury.