IND vs NZ: Has the BCCI declared Shreyas Iyer fit for the New Zealand series? The first match will be played on January 11.

Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11.  According to media reports, he will now feature in the upcoming ODI series after receiving medical clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Iyer is ready for a comeback after recovering from an injury

The 31-year-old Iyer was included in the Indian squad, subject to fitness. The selectors and medical team were cautious about his return after a prolonged injury and were closely monitoring his performance and physical response in domestic cricket. Iyer proved his fitness while playing for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Captaining the side against Himachal Pradesh, he batted at number four and scored a brilliant 82 runs off 53 balls. He did not experience any physical discomfort during or after the innings, which allayed all concerns about his match fitness.

BCCI issues fitness certificate

It was initially expected that Iyer would be formally declared fit after playing Mumbai's next match against Punjab on January 8. However, the CoE medical staff was satisfied with his recovery and fitness, leading to his clearance ahead of schedule.

To play as vice-captain in the New Zealand series

Shreyas Iyer was sidelined after suffering a spleen injury during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney in October. The injury required hospitalization, and he was out of international cricket for almost three months. With his return, Iyer will once again take his place in the Indian middle order and will also serve as vice-captain. In his absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad was given an opportunity at number four and impressed by scoring his maiden ODI century in Raipur. However, with Iyer's availability, Gaikwad has been dropped from the team.