India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to miss the upcoming three-match home ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The 30-year-old suffered a freak injury during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25. While taking a catch to dismiss Alex Carey, he was hit hard in the abdomen, which led to a laceration in his spleen and internal bleeding.
He underwent a minor medical procedure and was discharged from a Sydney hospital on November 1. However, reports suggest that Iyer is still in recovery and will need more time to regain match fitness. According to a source quoted by The Indian Express, “He (Shreyas Iyer) will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee doesn’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series.” If Iyer fails to recover in time, India may look for alternatives to fill the middle-order spot in the 50-over squad.
Tilak Varma – A Promising Young Option
Tilak Varma is among the leading contenders to replace Shreyas Iyer for the South Africa series. The talented left-hander recently played in the five-match T20I series against Australia, where India won 2-1, though two matches were washed out. While Tilak managed just 34 runs in three innings, his overall record in T20Is this year has been impressive.
He has scored 380 runs in 14 innings at an average of 42.22 and a strike rate of 127.94, with two fifties to his name. Earlier, he also scored 97 runs in two 50-over games against Australia A. Having played four ODIs for India and scored 68 runs including a half-century, the 23-year-old remains a strong contender to earn a recall. His composure and ability to handle pressure make him a reliable middle-order option.
Rishabh Pant – The Experienced Match-Winner
Rishabh Pant could be another suitable replacement for Iyer. The wicketkeeper-batter last played an ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka and recently returned from a foot fracture sustained during the England Test series. Leading India A in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A, Pant scored 196 runs in four innings, including two fifties.
With 31 ODIs to his name, in which he has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21, Pant’s experience and explosive batting style could strengthen India’s middle order. If he performs well in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, his inclusion in the ODI squad will be highly likely.
Riyan Parag – The In-Form All-Rounder
Assam’s young all-rounder Riyan Parag is another potential replacement. Earlier this year, he was outstanding for India A in the unofficial ODI series against Australia A, scoring 187 runs in three innings at an average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 123.84, with three back-to-back fifties.
Parag has already represented India in one ODI, where he scored 15 runs and took three wickets against Sri Lanka. His recent form and ability to contribute with both bat and ball make him a valuable option. With Iyer’s availability uncertain, Parag could be given an opportunity to prove himself in the South Africa series.
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