Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Shreyas Iyer Smashes 50 off 36 Balls to Prove Fitness

Jaipur: After a serious injury in Australia, Shreyas Iyer made a sensational comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, scoring a blazing half-century off just 36 balls for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The performance not only showcased his batting prowess but also confirmed that he is fully fit and ready for India’s upcoming series against New Zealand.

A Fit and Fearless Return
Iyer had been sidelined following a severe injury sustained during the last ODI of India’s tour of Australia in October 2025. Attempting a difficult catch in Sydney, he fell awkwardly, resulting in a ruptured spleen that required ICU admission and surgery. Despite the expected six-month recovery, Iyer stunned everyone by returning in just two and a half months.

Selected as vice-captain for India’s New Zealand ODI series, Iyer’s fitness had been in question. To prove his readiness, he chose to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Dominant Performance Against Himachal Pradesh
Mumbai’s match against Himachal Pradesh at Jaipur was delayed by dense fog, leaving Iyer impatient to showcase his form. Batting at number four, he carefully negotiated the initial overs alongside Mushir Khan (73 off 51 balls), after early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal (15) and Sarfaraz Khan (21). Once set, Iyer unleashed his full arsenal of shots, finishing with 82 runs off 53 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. He reached his 50 in just 36 deliveries.

Targeting Key Bowlers
Iyer was particularly dominant against Kushal Pal and MJ Dagar, scoring 22 runs off 13 balls and 27 runs off 20 balls, respectively. His aggressive stroke play and impressive strike rate of 154.72 suggested he is completely recovered and physically ready for high-intensity cricket.

A Statement for the Future
Iyer’s explosive innings as Mumbai captain clearly signals that he is match-fit and ready to make a strong impact on India’s upcoming fixtures. His rapid return from a career-threatening injury has left fans and selectors confident about his form and resilience.