Shreyas Iyer plays a crucial role for the Indian ODI team and has the potential to be a part of the Asia Cup 2023. However, in March, he unfortunately suffered a back injury which forced him to be sidelined from the team. To aid his recovery, the talented right-handed batsman underwent back surgery.
In recent months, Iyer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in order to regain his fitness. While he has made progress, he is still awaiting clearance to return to competitive play. Should Shreyas Iyer not be able to participate in the Asia Cup 2023, India will need a strong replacement in their squad. In this article, we will take a look at 3 players who have the potential to fill his position on the team.
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3 Potential Replacements for Shreyas Iyer in India’s Asia Cup 2023 Squad
1. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav emerges as the primary candidate to potentially fill the void left by Shreyas Iyer in India’s Asia Cup squad. While temporarily occupying Iyer’s ODI position due to injuries, Yadav’s performance has predominantly excelled in the shortest format. His recent stint in ODIs, accumulating 127 runs from nine games, might have been underwhelming. However, Yadav’s consistency and skill set position him as a formidable contender. His role mirroring Iyer’s in the middle order signifies his suitability, although his selection could hinge on his fitness and form.
2. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson steps into consideration as an alternate choice to substitute Shreyas Iyer. Despite sporadic appearances in the ODI arena, Samson’s recent showcase in the West Indies series highlighted his potential. His commendable fifty in that series, coupled with a noteworthy average of over 71 in 10 ODIs last year, underscores his capabilities. Additionally, his adaptability in the No. 4 batting slot further enhances his viability as a potential replacement for Iyer in India’s Asia Cup campaign.
3. Tilak Varma
The emerging talent of Tilak Varma looms as a captivating option to step into Shreyas Iyer’s role for Asia Cup 2023. Marking his international debut in the recent T20I series against West Indies, Varma showcased his prowess as a middle-order left-handed batter. Notably emerging as India’s leading run-scorer in the series, his performance signposts his potential. The inclusion of Varma in the upcoming IND vs IRE series provides selectors with a platform to assess his aptitude. His left-right batting combination adds a dynamic element to India’s middle order, enhancing his candidacy as a potential replacement.