India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has received clearance to return to competitive cricket for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India Today reported.

According to the report, the 31-year-old is set to participate in Mumbai’s VHT fixture on January 6, which will serve as the final checkpoint before a potential India comeback.

Shreyas has been on the sidelines since suffering a spleen injury while fielding during the third ODI against Australia at SCG in October this year. As a result of that injury, he missed the recent 50-over series against South Africa with Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at his No.4 spot.

“Iyer successfully completed his first 50-over return-to-play (RTP) match simulation on January 2, 2026. The Mumbai game against Himachal Pradesh will double up as his second RTP match, scheduled as part of the clearance protocol laid out by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Only after completing both match simulations without any setbacks will Iyer be considered fully fit for white-ball selection,” the report stated.

With India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series set to be announced on Saturday (January 3), timing will be a big factor on his immediate international return. Iyer’s inclusion could depend not only on medical clearance but also on how long selectors are willing to wait.

As per the report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to monitor Mumbai’s January 6 clash against Himachal Pradesh, but there is also the possibility of selectors opting for players who are already match-ready.

Meanwhile, India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill missed Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim in Jaipur on Saturday (January 3) due to illness.

“Shubman reached Jaipur on Friday, and was looking forward to play the game, but late in the night, he was not feeling too well, so he was advised to take rest,” Sportstar quoted Punjab coach Sandeep Sharma as saying.

“This morning, he was better, but keeping in mind the fact that there’s a packed schedule, we decided to rest him. He will certainly be available for the next game,” the coach added.

Having missed the South Africa ODIs due to neck injury, Gill is expected to return as skipper for the three-match series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Baroda.