Sanjay Bangar Backs Shreyas Iyer Comeback in NZ ODIs With Warning Call

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar advised Shreyas Iyer to stay patient on his return from injury while also backing Shubman Gill to grow into the ODI captaincy role.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has advised vice-captain Shreyas Iyer to be cautious and not rush things as he returns to the field in the opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. The 31-year-old last played for India during the ODI series in Australia in October 2025 before a spleen injury sidelined him.

Iyer made his comeback in the ongoing 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he featured in two matches for Mumbai and scored a combined 127 runs.

Speaking ahead of Iyer’s return to the national side, Bangar highlighted the main challenge players face after an injury comeback.

“The one risk is that you can get hurried, wanting to start well and contribute immediately. That is what Shreyas Iyer should be mindful of. But he has made a good comeback, playing well for his home team in domestic cricket. He understands ODI cricket very well.”

Bangar also underlined Iyer’s experience and value in the middle order, especially against spin bowling.

“He has been in international cricket for years. Since 2023, the way he played in the World Cup, dominating spin, was a treat to watch. His skills will be very useful. In the last series, Ruturaj Gaikwad got the number four spot for his spin play. Now, Shreyas Iyer returns and takes that spot back, so his strong point will be used fully.”

Before his injury, Iyer was in outstanding ODI form, averaging close to 50 with a strike rate of 89.53 across 11 matches last year.

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Bangar on Shubman Gill’s ODI captaincy

Bangar also shared his views on Shubman Gill’s leadership, describing his stint as ODI captain as a learning phase. Gill took over the role from Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia tour last year, where India lost the series 1-2.

“It is early days. Shubman Gill had a great Test tour of England and a tough one in Australia. You cannot judge him too much right now. It is a work in progress. The more he captains, the better he will get. He has good support on the field, with access to the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for leadership decisions under pressure. He is going to grow and eventually become a good ODI captain,” said Bangar.

Gill had earlier enjoyed notable success in his first assignment as Test captain, guiding India to a 2-2 series draw in England just before taking over ODI leadership duties.