3 players who can replace Shreyas Iyer if he's ruled out of IND vs SA 2025 ODIs ft. Rishabh Pant

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming three-match home series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

The 30-year-old sustained a freak injury during the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25. While completing a catch to dismiss Alex Carey, Iyer suffered a blunt blow to the abdomen and was forced to leave the field. Medical examinations later revealed a laceration to his spleen accompanied by internal bleeding, which was successfully treated through a minor procedure.

Even though he was discharged from a Sydney hospital on November 1, a report by The Indian Express published on November 11 stated that the Mumbai batter is still in the recovery phase and will likely need more time to regain full fitness before returning to international cricket.

A source close to the development told the publication:

“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.”

With Shreyas Iyer’s participation in the upcoming 50-over series looking uncertain, we take a look at three players who could replace the vice-captain if he is ruled out of the IND vs SA 2025 ODIs.

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#1 Tilak Varma

The first player on the list who could replace Shreyas Iyer in India’s squad, if the Mumbai batter is ruled out of the South Africa ODI series, is Tilak Varma. The southpaw recently featured in the five-match T20I series against Australia, which India won 2-1, with two games ending in no result due to rain. However, Tilak had a quiet series, managing just 34 runs in three innings.

Although he couldn’t make much impact on the Australia tour, the 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run in the shorter formats this year. He has scored 380 runs in 14 T20I innings at an average of 42.22 and a strike rate of 127.94, including two half-centuries.

Earlier this year, Tilak Varma scored 97 runs in two 50-over games against Australia A and, having already played four ODIs for India with 68 runs including a fifty, he remains a frontline contender to earn a spot in the side.

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#2 Rishabh Pant

Next on the list is India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who last featured in an ODI for India in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. The wicketkeeper-batter recently returned to competitive cricket after spending three months on the sidelines due to a fracture in his right foot, which he sustained during the fourth Test of the England series in Manchester.

Leading India A in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A, Pant showed promising form, scoring 196 runs in four innings, including two half-centuries, as the series ended 1-1. He is now set to feature in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14 in Kolkata.

Given his return to form, if the southpaw impresses in the Test series, he could be a strong contender for a recall to the ODI squad should Shreyas Iyer be ruled out. Pant has represented India in 31 ODIs, amassing 871 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21, including five fifties and one century.

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#3 Riyan Parag

The final player on the list is Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag. The 24-year-old impressed for India A earlier this year in the three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A. As India A clinched the series 2-1, Parag stood out with the bat, scoring 187 runs in three innings at an average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 123.84, registering three consecutive fifties.

Parag has so far played one ODI for India against Sri Lanka in August 2024, where he scored 15 runs and picked up three wickets. Given his all-round abilities and recent form, the Assam cricketer could be in contention for a call-up for the South Africa series if Shreyas Iyer is ruled out.

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Edited by Dev Sharma