Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Shreyas Iyer's comeback should not be hurried heading into the series against New Zealand. The latter is expected to make his much-awaited return to international cricket in the upcoming assignment. He has been out of action since October, 2025 due to an injury to his rib cage. The BCCI had confirmed that Iyer had suffered a lacertation to his spleen.
Bangar feels it is risky to play Iyer
After recently making his return to competitive cricket for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer may be included in India's playing XI for the first ODI. However, Bangar believes that it is risky to play the batter in the opening game as he has just recovered from a serious injury.
“The one risk is that you can get hurried, wanting to start well and contribute immediately. That is what Shreyas Iyer should be mindful of. But he has made a good comeback, playing well for his home team in domestic cricket. He understands ODI cricket very well. He has been in international cricket for years," Bangar said on JioStar.
"Since 2023, the way he played in the World Cup, dominating spin, was a treat to watch. His skills will be very useful. In the last series, Ruturaj Gaikwad got the number four spot for his spin play. Now, Shreyas Iyer returns and takes that spot back, so his strong point will be used fully," he added.
Iyer did make an impressive return in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and played a crucial knock of 82 in Mumbai's victory over Himachal Pradesh. Even though the side ended up on the losing side against Punjab, he played a valiant knock of 45. It remains to be seen if he will be able to maintain this form in the series against New Zealand.
India's schedule against New Zealand
Meanwhile, India's first ODI of the series against New Zealand will be played in Vadodara on January 11. The action will then move to the Niranjan Shah stadium in Rajkot for the second ODI that will be held on January 14 and the series finale will be played in Indore on January 18.
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India's squad for New Zealand ODI series: Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja.