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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Shreyas Iyer cleared to join India’s ODI squad vs New Zealand
- 2🏆 Vice-captaincy and No. 4/5 role restore middle-order stability
- 3💡 Vijay Hazare performances convinced selectors on match fitness
- 4🔮 Strong NZ series could cement his spot for major 2026 ODIs
"India batter will link up with the side on Friday, ahead of Sunday's ODI series opener against NZ in Vadodara"
Reinforcements are on the way for Team India as Shreyas Iyer has been cleared to join the ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand in Vadodara.
Vice-captain back after passing Vijay Hazare fitness test
Named earlier in the 15 subject to fitness, the ODI vice-captain ticked the final box with a solid return in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Facing quality domestic attacks, Shreyas moved freely at the crease, fielded without visible discomfort and, crucially, got time in the middle – exactly what the medical and selection teams wanted to see.
He will now link up with the national squad on Friday, just two days before the series opener in Vadodara. For India, this restores a proven pillar at No. 4/5 – a batter who can soak up pressure early, then switch gears with those trademark lofted hits down the ground.
From an Indian fan’s perspective, this series is about sharpening the ODI core for bigger assignments, and having Shreyas back as Rohit’s trusted deputy in the 50-over format brings both stability and tactical flexibility. His presence frees up the think-tank to experiment around him rather than plug a key middle-order hole.
If he finds rhythm early in this New Zealand series, expect the familiar pattern: calm consolidation, then that late Dhoni-style acceleration that has already won India more than a few chases.
