Ruturaj Gaikwad or Yashasvi Jaiswal - who should India pick as backup if Shreyas Iyer returns for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs?

Team India's selection headache was amplified after the bench players stepped up to the plate in the ODI series against South Africa earlier this month. Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad recorded their maiden ODI tons to make a major statement, and include themselves in the long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

However, with first-team stars like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer potentially set to make their returns after injuries for the home series against New Zealand, the selectors will have to make a few tough calls. With Team India already having a set top four, both Jaiswal and Gaikwad are unlikely to remain in the playing XI.

Shreyas Iyer last featured in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where he sustained a serious rib cage injury while completing a catch. In his absence, Ruturaj Gaikwad featured out of position at No.4, but managed to make a strong impression.

In Yashasvi Jaiswal's case, he came in as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Shubman Gill. After a couple of sluggish and rusty outings, he came through in the end with a match-winning hundred against South Africa in the final ODI in Vizag.

However, with star players on the cusp of return, several changes to the ODI squad are to be expected. On that note, let us take a look at who India should pick as backup between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, if Shreyas Iyer returns for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs.

#1 If there is only room for one, Ruturaj Gaikwad makes the cut because of his versatility

Team India might have to load up on all-rounders and bowlers more since two star players in Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, are set to be rested for the series. The Indian bowling unit were arguably hot and cold during the matches against South Africa,

If the selectors choose to go bowling heavy to compensate for the big absences, there might not be much room left for separate backups for openers and middle-order batters. Since other inexperienced names can be axed for the squad to accommodate others, there is very little possibility that both Gaikwad and Jaiswal will be dropped.

Should the selection be more all-rounder and bowling-oriented, leaving room for just one backup batter, the odds do favor Ruturaj Gaikwad in this scenario. Taking into account that he can function as both opener and No.4, India can tick off two slots with one pick on the bench.

If India go the other way, they will lack options in the middle-order, as Jaiswal is unfamiliar with the position, and his skillset is also not a match for that particular role.

#2 A backup who can play at No.4 is more important that a backup opener right now

The need of the hour for India on the road to the 2027 World Cup is to develop solid backup options in the middle order, as it is a slot that Indian cricket has struggled with for a long time, especially before Shreyas Iyer locked it down.

As far as the opening slots are concerned, Shubman Gill, being the captain, is locked in, and so is Rohit Sharma, considering the way he has been batting since his return.

However, with Shreyas Iyer returning from a major injury, and not with much game time in the domestic circuit, India need to be wary of it, and have a backup ready at the helm. Gaikwad's ability against spin, his calculative approach when it comes to strike rotation, and acceleration, make him a perfect fit for the role.

It is crucial to cement Gaikwad as the long-term second option for No.4, especially since India do not have any other credible options. The long build up to the 2027 ODi World Cup is the perfect pathway to allow him to grow and settle into the role, and provide some decent competition while at it.

Conclusion: Given that several players are set to be rested for the tour, and the likes of Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel are not in the immediate ODI plans compared to others, there is arguably room to include both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad on the bench as backup.

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Edited by Gokul Nair