Shreyas Iyer’s India unfortunate hospitalization in Sydney has left Indian selectors with a crucial decision ahead of the home ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. The middle-order batsman sustained a laceration injury to his spleen after taking a catch and is expected to remain under observation in the Sydney hospital for at least a week. With time running short, here are three capable replacements who could fill the void.
Why Shreyas Will Be Missed
The ODI vice-captain has been instrumental in India’s middle-order stability, particularly against spin bowling. His ability to accelerate in the death overs and rotate strike effectively makes him one of the most dependable batsmen in the format. Losing him creates both a tactical and experience gap that won’t be easy to fill.
India’s Top 3 Replacements for the South Africa Series
| Player | ODI Stats | Why They Fit | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 510 runs in 16 ODIs, Avg 56.66 | Can bat at No. 4, in exceptional form | Consistency & wicket-keeping option |
| Tilak Varma | Limited ODI exposure | Rising star, 2025 Asia Cup hero | Finishing ability, left-hand option |
| Riyan Parag | 15 runs in 1 ODI, 3 wickets | All-rounder flexibility | Bowling option adds balance |
1. Sanju Samson – The Safest Bet
Samson was left out of India’s ODI squad for the Australia series with selectors stating that he bats higher up the order in the format. Now that the number four slot is available, his time has come.
With an impressive average of 56.66 in ODIs, including one century and three fifties, Samson brings proven reliability. His recent form across formats has been exceptional, and his wicket-keeping skills provide the team with additional flexibility. He can seamlessly slot into the middle order and continue India’s aggressive approach.
Learn more about Sanju Samson’s journey to becoming India’s premier finisher.
2. Tilak Varma – The Future Star
The most likely option considering his rise in the T20Is side over the last 12 months, Tilak was the hero of the 2025 Asia Cup Final over Pakistan. His contributions in the middle order have consistently stood out when others have struggled.
Tilak’s left-handed batting adds variety to India’s predominantly right-handed lineup. While his ODI experience is limited, his composure under pressure and ability to finish games make him an exciting prospect. The home series could be the perfect opportunity to fast-track his ODI career.
3. Riyan Parag – The All-Rounder Card
Parag made his ODI debut last year in the series against Sri Lanka, scoring 15 runs and picking up three wickets in nine overs in his only game. Though his ODI credentials are modest, his all-round abilities offer something unique.
If the selectors want to maintain team balance with an extra bowling option, Parag fits the bill perfectly. His ability to bowl economical off-spin and contribute crucial runs down the order could prove invaluable in home conditions where pitches typically favor spinners.
Check out our comprehensive guide to India’s all-rounder options for deeper insights.
What About Other Options?
Rishabh Pant, who suffered an injury during the Tendulkar-Anderson series earlier this year, will be excited to make a return to the ODI format after being out of the playing XI for more than a year. However, his recent injury concerns make him a risky choice for immediate selection.
The Selectors’ Dilemma
The BCCI must balance immediate needs with long-term planning. While Samson appears to be the most obvious choice given his experience and form, giving opportunities to Tilak or Parag could pay dividends for India’s 2027 World Cup preparations.
The South Africa series presents an ideal testing ground for these candidates, as India will be playing at home where conditions suit their style of play.
For more updates on India’s squad selections and cricket analysis, visit TechnoSports. Stay tuned as the BCCI announces the official squad soon.
FAQs
Q1: Who is most likely to replace Shreyas Iyer for the South Africa ODI series?
Sanju Samson appears to be the frontrunner given his exceptional ODI average of 56.66, recent form across formats, and ability to bat at number four. His experience and wicket-keeping skills also add valuable flexibility to the squad.
Q2: Could Rishabh Pant be considered as a replacement for Shreyas Iyer?
While Pant is a strong candidate, he’s currently recovering from an injury sustained earlier this year and hasn’t played ODIs for over a year. The selectors may prefer more match-ready options like Samson or Tilak Varma for the immediate series.
