3 Players who can replace Shreyas Iyer in India squad for ODI World Cup 2023 if he remains unavailable

India middle-order Shreyas Iyer continues to be unavailable since the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four game against Pakistan. Ahead of the game, he had back spasms and was replaced by KL Rahul. In what was a two-day game against Pakistan, Rahul scored a century. In the next game that was played on the very next day, against Sri Lanka, the right-hander scored 39. 

On the other hand, Iyer remained against the Lankan Lions too. Now that India has reached the final of the continental tournament, they might rest some of the players against Bangladesh. However, if Iyer doesn’t play against the Tigers, the Men In Blue might not be able to add him in the playing for the final on September 17. This might mean that the selectors are left with no choice but to drop him for the ODI World Cup 2023. 

In this listicle, we will discuss three names who can replace Iyer in the WC side. 

Three players who can replace Shreyas Iyer

1. Sanju Samson

The right-hander also keeps wickets for any side he plays. He last played for India in the Ireland series. Even though the wicketkeeper batter is in the reserves for Asia Cup 2023, he isn’t named in the World Cup squad. Notably, the reserves are yet to be named in the team.

Also, not to forget, the changes can be made till September 28. If Iyer continues to remain unavailable during the Asia Cup and the ODI series against Australia, he might get replaced by Sanju Samson, who has been decent with the bat in ODIs.

2. Tilak Varma

The left-hander is part of the playing squad in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. He is yet to play a game as the team seems to have found their right batting order and playing XI. Meanwhile, as he is a left-hander who can bat in the middle order, he might replace Iyer in the WC.

Varma was the find of the team during their disastrous white-ball series in the West Indies. If Iyer fails to get fit for the showpiece event, Varma can replace him as he provides a variation in the batting line-up.

3. Suryakumar Yadav

The right-hander is also part of the Asia Cup 2023 squad. He is yet to play a game and might play against Bangladesh as the team has reached the final. If Yadav manages to play a match-winning knock, he might come into contention to replace Iyer in the playing XI.