India have been dealt a serious setback forward of the three-match ODI sequence in opposition to South Africa, beginning November 30 in Ranchi, as premier middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is unfit as a result of a spleen laceration damage sustained whereas fielding in Sydney. The 29-year-old, a key determine on the important quantity 4 place, has been hospitalized and dominated out of motion for the close to future, leaving a major void in India’s batting lineup.
With the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) but to announce the ODI squad, Iyer’s absence opens the door for contemporary faces and fringe gamers to stake their declare for a spot within the facet, particularly because the workforce administration seems to be to construct depth forward of a busy worldwide calendar. Based mostly on latest type and potential, let’s take a look at three such gamers who can grow to be supreme replacements for Iyer within the ODI leg.
3 gamers who can substitute Shreyas Iyer within the ODI sequence in opposition to South Africa
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The aggressive top-order contender
Jaiswal, the dynamic left-handed opener, has swiftly risen by way of the ranks of Indian cricket, cementing his place as one of the crucial thrilling younger abilities throughout codecs. Identified for his fearless stroke play and attacking intent, Jaiswal’s presence gives India with an explosive choice on the prime of the order. Having already made his ODI debut earlier this yr in opposition to England in February 2025, the teenager is step by step discovering his footing within the 50-over setup.
Jaiswal’s inclusion as an opener may immediate a reshuffle within the batting lineup. The 23-year-old is anticipated to open alongside former skipper Rohit Sharma, a partnership that guarantees an aggressive begin within the powerplay. This mix would possible see Shubman Gill, one other prolific top-order batter, transfer right down to the center order to offer stability within the absence of Iyer.
Jaiswal’s skill to tackle bowlers from the outset and preserve a excessive scoring price makes him a useful asset in fashionable ODI cricket. His aggressive mindset and adaptableness may play a key position in setting the tone early and easing the stress on the center order, particularly in opposition to a high quality South African assault.
Tilak Varma: The constant left-handed middle-order alternative
Tilak stands out as probably the most pure and like-for-like substitute for Shreyas Iyer in India’s center order. The proficient left-hander has already made a robust impression on the worldwide stage along with his composed temperament, clear hitting, and skill to adapt to completely different match conditions. His calmness beneath stress and knack for rotating the strike make him a well-rounded batter able to anchoring the innings or ending it with authority — qualities that mirror what Iyer brings to the facet.
Though Tilak’s publicity in ODI cricket stays restricted, he has proven glimpses of his potential within the alternatives he’s obtained to date. Having featured in 4 ODIs, Tilak has scored 68 runs, together with a well-crafted half-century that underlined his skill to construct an innings within the 50-over format. His performances in home cricket and India ‘A’ matches have additional strengthened his case for a constant position within the nationwide setup.
Extra just lately, Tilak turned heads through the 2025 Asia Cup, the place he performed a key position in India’s triumph. Regardless of the match being within the T20 format, his composed knock within the remaining in opposition to Pakistan stood out, showcasing his temperament and maturity past his years. That innings mirrored not solely his talent but in addition his understanding of the sport — traits which are equally useful in ODIs, the place pacing an innings is vital.
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Riyan Parag: The powerhouse all-rounder
Parag has rightfully entered the dialogue for a middle-order berth in India’s ODI facet, due to his outstanding type and consistency in latest home white-ball tournaments. The 23-year-old has undergone a noticeable transformation over the previous yr, evolving from a promising teenager right into a dependable match-winner. A dynamic right-handed batter and a helpful leg-break bowler, Parag brings useful all-round steadiness to the facet — an important component in fashionable ODI cricket, the place versatility usually defines workforce composition.
Parag’s latest home performances have been nothing wanting excellent. He completed because the main run-scorer in each the 2023 Deodhar Trophy and the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, underlining his skill to ship impactful knocks beneath stress. His aggressive but calculated strategy within the center overs, mixed along with his improved temperament, has earned him widespread reward from selectors and former gamers alike.
On the worldwide entrance, Parag made his ODI debut for India in opposition to Sri Lanka in August 2024. In that match, he contributed 15 runs with the bat and made a right away impression with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 54 runs. Although his worldwide profession continues to be in its infancy, the debut efficiency showcased his potential as a real all-rounder able to influencing matches in a number of aspects.
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