India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have been hit by injury concerns during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma was admitted to a hospital in Delhi due to a viral infection, while wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan suffered a scary injury during a practice session in Delhi.
Ishan was struck on the toe by a lethal yorker from Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. The southpaw was seen screaming in pain and immediately removed his shoes and pads as physios rushed to attend to him. If both openers are doubtful for the game against Pakistan, the BCCI might be forced to look at replacements.
Here are 3 backup batters who could be added to the India T20 World Cup squad amid this sudden injury crisis.
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3 Backup Batters on Standby Amid Injury Crisis in India Camp
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is not a natural opener, but he has the ability to handle pressure, which makes him a strong contender as a backup option. The right-handed batter was in sensational form during IPL 2025. He scored 604 runs for Punjab Kings in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07.
He has scored 1,104 runs in 51 T20Is at an average of 30.67 and a strike rate of 136.13. Shreyas is regarded as one of the best players of spin in world cricket. The middle-order batter can dominate Pakistan’s spin attack, including Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, during the middle overs.
His experience in high-pressure ICC events adds significant value. With India potentially forced to use a makeshift top order, Iyer can steady the innings at No. 3 or No. 4.
| Shreyas Iyer – T20I Career | |||||||||||||
| Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
| 2017–2023 | 51 | 47 | 11 | 1104 | 74* | 30.66 | 811 | 136.12 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 90 | 44 |
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is the frontrunner for a like-for-like replacement at the top of the order. The right-handed batter has scored 869 runs in 36 T20I matches at an average of 28.03 and a strike rate of 138.60, including three half-centuries and one century, with a best score of 126*.
Gill has the technique to handle Pakistan’s pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza, with the new ball. He was vice-captain of the T20I squad against South Africa before being dropped from the team.
He fits well into India’s aggressive batting setup. With injury concerns around the openers, bringing in a specialist opener like Gill is the most logical option.
| Shubman Gill – T20I Career | |||||||||||||
| Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
| 2023–2025 | 36 | 36 | 5 | 869 | 126* | 28.03 | 627 | 138.59 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 98 | 26 |
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the “wildcard” option who could be called up as a replacement by the Indian team management. The Chennai Super Kings captain has scored 633 runs in 23 T20Is at an impressive average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.54.
Gaikwad scored a century against Australia (123*) in 2023. With conditions expected to assist spinners, he could be a valuable asset for the team. He is a proven match-winner who can anchor the innings, allowing power-hitters like Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to finish.
If the management wants a dependable opener who is unlikely to throw his wicket away in a high-pressure game, Gaikwad is a strong option. He last played for India in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2024.
| Ruturaj Gaikwad – T20I Career | |||||||||||||
| Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
| 2021–2024 | 23 | 20 | 4 | 633 | 123* | 39.56 | 441 | 143.53 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 65 | 24 |
Also read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi booked for new T20 league – Rajasthan Royals kept in dark?
