Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Shreyas Iyer named Mumbai captain ahead of ODI return

Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer, who spent nearly three months on the sidelines recovering from a spleen injury, has been officially named Mumbai’s captain for their remaining Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 league matches. Mumbai were forced into a leadership change after regular captain Shardul Thakur was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury sustained during the heavy loss to Maharashtra.

The Mumbai Cricket Association turned to Iyer’s for the crucial role. Mumbai currently sit second in Elite Group C with 16 points from five matches, but saw their net run rate suffer following the 128-run defeat. With matches against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab remaining, at least one win is necessary to secure a spot in the knockouts.

Notably, the 34-year-old has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and successfully came through match simulations earlier this month. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is part of the BCCI’s return-to-play protocol, with the medical team keen to assess whether he can handle the demands of a full 100-over contest pain-free.

Iyer named India’s vice-captain for NZ ODIs

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube are joining the Mumbai squad in Jaipur. In-form batter Sarfaraz Khan, who missed the previous game due to quadriceps discomfort, is expected to return as well. Sarfaraz has been Mumbai’s standout performer with 220 runs from three matches at an average of 110. Iyer will be closely watched, particularly with Mumbai missing Thakur’s all-round contributions. The seamer had been their best bowler so far, taking 11 wickets in five matches at an average of 9.54.

Furthermore, Iyer was named India’s vice-captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, but is subject to final fitness clearance. The selectors are confident about his recovery, and a smooth run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could see him feature in one or more ODIs, making his first international appearance since October last year.