India have been dealt a major setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi, as premier middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is unfit due to a spleen laceration injury sustained while fielding in Sydney. The 29-year-old, a key figure at the vital number four position, has been hospitalized and ruled out of action for the near future, leaving a significant void in India’s batting lineup.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet to announce the ODI squad, Iyer’s absence opens the door for fresh faces and fringe players to stake their claim for a place in the side, especially as the team management looks to build depth ahead of a busy international calendar. Based on recent form and potential, let’s have a look at three such players who can become ideal replacements for Iyer in the ODI leg.
3 players who can replace Shreyas Iyer in the ODI series against South Africa
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The aggressive top-order contender
Jaiswal, the dynamic left-handed opener, has swiftly risen through the ranks of Indian cricket, cementing his place as one of the most exciting young talents across formats. Known for his fearless stroke play and attacking intent, Jaiswal’s presence provides India with an explosive option at the top of the order. Having already made his ODI debut earlier this year against England in February 2025, the youngster is gradually finding his footing in the 50-over setup.
Jaiswal’s inclusion as an opener could prompt a reshuffle in the batting lineup. The 23-year-old is expected to open alongside former skipper Rohit Sharma, a partnership that promises an aggressive start in the powerplay. This combination would likely see Shubman Gill, another prolific top-order batter, move down to the middle order to provide stability in the absence of Iyer.
Jaiswal’s ability to take on bowlers from the outset and maintain a high scoring rate makes him a valuable asset in modern ODI cricket. His aggressive mindset and adaptability could play a key role in setting the tone early and easing the pressure on the middle order, especially against a quality South African attack.
Tilak Varma: The consistent left-handed middle-order choice
Tilak stands out as the most natural and like-for-like replacement for Shreyas Iyer in India’s middle order. The talented left-hander has already made a strong impression at the international level with his composed temperament, clean hitting, and ability to adapt to different match situations. His calmness under pressure and knack for rotating the strike make him a well-rounded batter capable of anchoring the innings or finishing it with authority — qualities that mirror what Iyer brings to the side.
Although Tilak’s exposure in ODI cricket remains limited, he has shown glimpses of his potential in the opportunities he’s received so far. Having featured in four ODIs, Tilak has scored 68 runs, including a well-crafted half-century that underlined his ability to build an innings in the 50-over format. His performances in domestic cricket and India ‘A’ matches have further strengthened his case for a consistent role in the national setup.
More recently, Tilak turned heads during the 2025 Asia Cup, where he played a key role in India’s triumph. Despite the tournament being in the T20 format, his composed knock in the final against Pakistan stood out, showcasing his temperament and maturity beyond his years. That innings reflected not only his skill but also his understanding of the game — traits that are equally valuable in ODIs, where pacing an innings is critical.
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Riyan Parag: The powerhouse all-rounder
Parag has rightfully entered the discussion for a middle-order berth in India’s ODI side, thanks to his remarkable form and consistency in recent domestic white-ball tournaments. The 23-year-old has undergone a noticeable transformation over the past year, evolving from a promising youngster into a reliable match-winner. A dynamic right-handed batter and a handy leg-break bowler, Parag brings valuable all-round balance to the side — a crucial element in modern ODI cricket, where versatility often defines team composition.
Parag’s recent domestic performances have been nothing short of outstanding. He finished as the leading run-scorer in both the 2023 Deodhar Trophy and the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, underlining his ability to deliver impactful knocks under pressure. His aggressive yet calculated approach in the middle overs, combined with his improved temperament, has earned him widespread praise from selectors and former players alike.
On the international front, Parag made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka in August 2024. In that match, he contributed 15 runs with the bat and made an immediate impact with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 54 runs. Though his international career is still in its infancy, the debut performance showcased his potential as a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing matches in multiple facets.
