There has been a big shock before the three-match ODI series against India. South AfricaWill start as a key middle order batsman in Ranchi from 30th November. Shreyas Iyer He is unfit after suffering a spleen injury while fielding in Sydney. The 29-year-old, a key man at the crucial number four position, has been hospitalized and has been ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, leaving a crucial void in India’s batting lineup.
with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) With the ODI squad yet to be announced, Iyer’s absence opens the door for new faces and fringe players to stake a claim for a spot in the team, especially as the team management looks to build depth ahead of a busy international calendar. Based on recent form and ability, let’s take a look at three players who can be ideal replacements for Iyer in the ODI stage.
3 players who can replace Shreyas Iyer in the ODI series against South Africa
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Aggressive top order contender
Dynamic left-handed opening batsman Jaiswal has quickly emerged in Indian cricket and has cemented his place as one of the most exciting young talents across all formats. Known for his fearless stroke play and aggressive intent, Jaiswal’s presence provides India with an explosive option at the top of the order. After making his ODI debut against England earlier this year in February 2025, the youngster is slowly finding his feet in the 50-over setup.
The inclusion of Jaiswal as an opening batsman could lead to a reshuffle in the batting lineup. The 23-year-old player is expected to open with the former captain Rohit SharmaA partnership that promises to be off to an aggressive start in the powerplay. This combination will be seen Shubman GillAnother brilliant top-order batsman, he moved down to the middle order to provide stability in Iyer’s absence.
Jaiswal’s ability to take on the bowlers from the start and maintain a high scoring rate makes him a valuable asset in modern ODI cricket. His aggressive mindset and adaptability can play a vital role in setting the tone early and taking pressure off the middle order, especially against a quality South African attack.
Tilak Verma: A consistent choice for the left-handed middle order.
Tilak comes across as the most natural and suitable 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 nature, clean hitting and ability to adapt to different match situations. His calmness under pressure and knack of rotating the strike makes him a good batsman who is capable of taking over an innings or finishing it with authority – these qualities reflect what Iyer brings to the team.
Although Tilak’s performance in ODI cricket has been limited, he has shown glimpses of his potential in the opportunities he has received so far. Having featured in four ODIs, Tilak has scored 68 runs, including a brilliant half-century which 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 claim for a consistent role in the national set-up.
Recently, Tilak came into limelight during the 2025 Asia Cup, where he played a key role in India’s victory. Despite the tournament being in the T20 format, his composed innings in the final against Pakistan were brilliant, displaying flair and maturity beyond his years. That innings reflected not only his skill but also his understanding of the game – qualities that are equally valuable in ODIs, where pace to an innings is crucial.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav gives big update on Shreyas Iyer’s spleen injury
Riyan Parag: Powerhouse all-rounder
Thanks to his remarkable form and consistency in recent domestic white-ball tournaments, Parag has entered the discussion for a middle-order slot in India’s ODI team. The 23-year-old has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last one year and has gone from a promising youngster to a reliable match-winner. A dynamic right-handed batsman and a handy leg-break bowler, Parag brings valuable all-round balance to the team – a vital element in modern ODI cricket, where versatility often defines the team composition.
Parag’s recent domestic performance has been nothing short of excellent. He finished as the leading run-scorer in both the 2023 Deodhar Trophy and 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, underscoring his ability to deliver impressive innings under pressure. His superior nature, coupled with his aggressive but calculated approach in the middle overs, has won him 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 for 54. Although his international career is still in its early stages, his first performances showcased his potential as a genuine all-rounder who is capable of influencing matches in many aspects.
