Shreyas Iyer named Mumbai captain for Vijay Hazare

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of the Mumbai team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). He takes over the reins of the side from Shardul Thakur, who has been ruled out of the domestic 50-over tournament due to an injury.

"The MCA is pleased to announce that Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the 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's continuation as captain beyond the VHT league stage is subject to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) fitness clearance for international duty. Iyer has been named in the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Baroda on January 11.

The selection, as is known, was made with a rider. While announcing the ODI squad recently, the BCCI said Iyer's fitness would be assessed at the Centre of Excellence, and that he would join ODI the squad if cleared. Cricbuzz reported on Sunday that the chances of him attaining full fitness are very strong. The first ODI is in Baroda on January 11.

Should Iyer get the all-clear for an international return, the MCA will have to appoint another captain for the VHT knockouts, which commence on January 12. "We will take a call once things are clear. Shreyas will lead the team in the remaining two league games," MCA secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said.

Iyer has been out of action since undergoing surgery in Australia for a spleen injury sustained in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney last October after he fell while trying to take a catch. Tuesday's match will be his first competitive game in over three months.

Mumbai are currently in the second place in Group C and they are well-placed to progress to the next round. They play their next league game versus Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday (January 6) and against Punjab on January 8, both in Jaipur.