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Shreyas Iyer set to return to action in IPL 2021

It remains to be seen who Capitals picks to lead them between Iyer and Pant

PTI
11-Aug-2021
Shreyas Iyer finished unbeaten on 65 out of Delhi Capitals' total of 156 for 7, Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2020, final, Dubai, November 10, 2020

Shreyas Iyer led Delhi Capitals to the IPL final in 2020  •  BCCI

India batter Shreyas Iyer is fully match-fit and cleared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to return to competitive action, which is set to take place when IPL 2021 resumes in the UAE from September 19.
Iyer will rejoin Delhi Capitals, the IPL franchise which he led to a first appearance in the final in 2020, but his injury meant that Rishabh Pant captained the side during the last edition, which was halted after multiple Covid-19 cases inside the bio-bubble.
The 26-year-old Iyer, who has played 22 ODIs and 29 T20Is, dislocated his shoulder during an ODI against England in Pune on March 23 and had to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom.
Having completed an intense rehabilitation programme and proved his fitness during his week-long stay at the NCA, it is understood that the NCA's medical team has declared him fit to return to competitive cricket.
"Yes, NCA has issued a fit certificate to Shreyas. He stayed in Bengaluru at the NCA for a week and his final assessment has happened a few days back. Based on all medical and physical parameters, he is now ready to play matches. This couldn't have happened at a better time with India's T20 World Cup campaign in two months time," a senior BCCI source told PTI.
Iyer had done his rehab programme at the Mumbai Cricket Association ground in the Bandra Kurla Complex but as per BCCI's protocol, he had to be cleared by NCA officials to be up for selection again.
With Iyer making a comeback, all eyes will be on the Capitals management as to who they pick for the leadership role.
Iyer led the side well when Capitals reached their first final last year. Pant, too, has grown into a fine player, with his performances in Australia and in the home Tests against England being particularly eye-catching.