Shreyas Iyer included for India vs Pakistan match? 3 backup batsmen on standby amid injury crisis

Suryakumar Yadav-led India are battling injury concerns during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Opener Abhishek Sharma was admitted to a hospital in Delhi due to a viral infection, while wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan suffered a scary injury during a practice session in Delhi.

In the nets, Ishaan suffered a toe injury from Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal yorker. The left-hander was seen screaming in pain and immediately took off his shoes and pads and the physios rushed to take care of him. If both the openers are doubtful for the match against Pakistan, the BCCI may be forced to consider replacements.

Here are 3 backup batsmen who could be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad amid this sudden injury crisis.

3 backup batsmen on standby amid injury crisis in India camp

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is not a natural opening batsman, but he has the ability to handle pressure, which makes him a strong contender as a backup option. The right-handed batsman was in sensational form during IPL 2025. He scored 604 runs in 17 matches for Punjab Kings at an average of 50.33 and 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 considered one of the best players of spin in world cricket. The middle-order batsmen, including Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, can dominate Pakistan’s spin attack 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 could stabilize the innings at No. 3 or No. 4.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is the frontrunner for a similar replacement at the top of the order. The right-handed batsman 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 the vice-captain of the T20 team against South Africa before being dropped from the team.

He fits into India’s aggressive batting setup. With injury concerns for the opening batsmen, bringing in a specialist opener like Gill is the most logical option.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is the “wildcard” option who can be called upon 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 (123*) against Australia in 2023. With the spinners expected to get help, he can be a valuable asset to the team. He is a proven match-winner who can open the innings, giving power-hitters like Shivam Dubey and Hardik Pandya a chance to finish.

If the management wants a reliable opening batsman who is unlikely to throw away his wicket in a high-pressure game, then Gaikwad is a strong option. He last played a T20 match for India in 2024 against Zimbabwe.

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