Shreyas Iyer set to lead Mumbai in the remaining Vijay Hazare League matches amid fitness watch

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of Mumbai for the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He replaces Shardul Thakur, who has been ruled out of the premier domestic 50-over tournament due to injury.

“The MCA is pleased to announce that Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of the Mumbai senior men’s team for the remaining league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the association said in a statement on Monday.

Iyer will lead Mumbai in the remaining two league matches on January 6 and January 8. However, his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts is not confirmed. He has been named in India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series.

While announcing the squad, the BCCI said that Iyer’s participation in the New Zealand ODIs is subject to fitness. The ODI series begins on January 11, while the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts will be held from January 12 to 18.

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Mumbai Fixtures and Leadership Plan

Mumbai, currently second in Group C, will play Himachal Pradesh on January 6 and Punjab on January 8 in Jaipur. Shreyas Iyer is set to captain the side in both league matches as the team pushes for a place in the knockout stage.

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Iyer’s Fitness Status and Knockout Scenario

Iyer has been out of action since October after suffering a spleen injury during the third ODI against Australia. He missed the home series against South Africa but has since recovered and was included in India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series, starting January 11, subject to clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

As part of his return, Iyer played a practice match on January 2 and completed all fitness drills without any issues. The Vijay Hazare Trophy outings will help him prepare for the upcoming international assignment.

The knockout stage of the tournament is scheduled from January 12 to 18, which overlaps with the New Zealand ODIs. If Iyer is cleared to play the ODI series, Mumbai will need to name a different captain for the knockouts. “We will take a call once things are clear. Shreyas will lead the team in the remaining league games,” MCA secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said.