Three batsmen who can replace Shreyas Iyer in India's World Cup playing XI if he gets ruled out

Shreyas Iyer is still unfit and not ready for the selection in Indian team.

Team India’s long injury list is getting shorter as they are closing in on the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Jasprit Bumrah has made his comeback and is back in the Indian squad for the Ireland tour as captain. KL Rahul was seen batting and practicing at the National Cricket Academy.

As per a few media reports, KL Rahul is fully fit and is expected to be part of the Asia Cup starting at the end of this month. Only two players from the core team are still in rehabilitation and are in doubt for the upcoming big tournaments. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are still not sure fit and may not be part of the Asia Cup as well as the World Cup 2023. 

Shreyas Iayer’s absence will leave a big void for team India, for the number 4 position in the batting order. This is a bit similar to what Indian fans suffered in the previous edition in 2019. The only difference, Ambati Rayudu was dropped from the squad despite good performances, and Shreyas Iyer might miss out due to injury. There are a few options that look certain to replace Iyer, and team management gave a big signal in the recently concluded West Indies ODI series. As the number 4 debate is still on, here we are exploring the options India have to replace Shreyas Iyer. 

Here are the three batsmen who can bat at No. 4 for India if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t play the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023:

1. Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is the most talked about figure in Indian cricket right now. Playing at number four against the West Indies in the third ODI, Samson has become a strong contender for the place, even over Suryakumar Yadav. Sanju smashed 51 runs in 41 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also made a big statement about Samson being part of the World Cup plans and getting a big opportunity. Sanju will need to get consistent opportunities at number 4 in the upcoming Asia Cup and 3-match ODI series against Australia. 

2. Suryakumar Yadav 

Being a gun T20 player, Suryakumar has failed to replicate that performance in the ODI format. Shreyas Iyer’s absence might again prove lucky for him, as he is also in contention along with Sanju Samson for the position. Suryakumar started his ODI career as the number 5 batter, and out of the 26 ODIs he played for India, he batted at number 4 only on five occasions. Suryakumar Yadav has played 26 ODI games for India and scored only 511 runs at an average of just 24.33, with two fifty-plus scores. 

3. Ishan Kishan 

Player of the series against the West Indies, it looks certain that Ishan Kishan will be part of India’s World Cup squad. There’s a huge possibility that Ishan Kishan might get an opportunity in India’s World Cup 2023 squad as back-up opener and wicket-keeper, but that doesn’t stop him from being another contender to bat at No. 4 if Shreyas Iyer gets ruled out of the upcoming marquee event at home later this year. He has batted at number 4 in six ODIs and scored 106 runs with one half-century. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.