Indian cricket fans received a jolt on October 25, 2025, when Shreyas Iyer, a key figure in the middle order, suffered a serious injury while fielding in the third ODI against Australia. The incident, which took place in Sydney, saw Iyer rushed to the ICU after scans revealed a laceration to his spleen. While Iyer is medically stable, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team remains by his side in Sydney, and his recovery is expected to take longer than initially anticipated. With India’s next ODI assignment—a three-match home series against South Africa—looming on November 30, the team’s selectors are already weighing their options for a suitable replacement at number four.
This injury has sent ripples through the Indian camp. Iyer, who has been a reliable presence in the ODI setup, now faces a race against time to regain fitness. According to reports, "Shreyas Iyer injured himself while fielding in the third ODI against Australia on October 25, 2025. He was admitted to the ICU in a hospital in Sydney, with scans revealing a laceration injury to his spleen. He is medically stable but his recovery is expected to take longer than initially thought." The BCCI has yet to release an official update on Iyer’s availability for the South Africa series, but the odds of his participation appear slim.
So, who could step into the breach? Three names have emerged as frontrunners: Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson. Each brings a unique skill set and recent form that could prove invaluable as India looks to rebound from their series defeat in Australia.
First up is Riyan Parag, whose journey in international cricket has been marked by both promise and setbacks. Parag made his ODI debut last year against Sri Lanka, a match in which he scored 15 runs and, more impressively, picked up three wickets in nine overs—a rare feat for a debutant. While his ODI opportunities have been limited so far, Parag has also featured in nine T20Is for India, amassing 106 runs in six innings and claiming four wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers India a much-needed balance, especially if they’re seeking flexibility in the playing XI. Parag’s supporters argue that, with a slot now open at number four, his all-round abilities could lend crucial depth to the side.
Tilak Varma, on the other hand, has turned heads with his recent performances. Though his ODI stats are still modest—68 runs in four matches at an average of 22.66—Varma’s stock has risen considerably after his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final just last month. That innings not only showcased his temperament under pressure but also signaled his readiness for greater responsibility. Having debuted in ODIs in 2023 against Bangladesh, Varma has grown in stature and confidence. As the South Africa series approaches, many feel that Varma could provide the solidity and flair India needs at number four, especially given his current form. "Tilak Varma became an overnight star with his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final last month. He made his ODI debut in 2023 against Bangladesh and has scored only 68 runs in four matches at an average of only 22.66 so far. But he is in a much-better batting form now and will be confident of putting up a good show after a productive Asia Cup," as cited from recent analyses.
Sanju Samson is another name that cannot be ignored. Despite being left out of the ODI squad for the Australia series—reportedly due to his preferred batting position—Samson’s ODI record is nothing short of impressive. In 16 ODIs, he has racked up 510 runs at a stellar average of 56.66, including a century and three fifties. With the number four slot now vacant, Samson’s inclusion seems not just logical but necessary. His ability to play match-defining innings and adapt to different situations could be the X-factor India needs. As one report puts it, "Sanju Samson has so far played 16 ODIs and scored 510 runs at an impeccable average of 56.66 with a century and three fifties to his credit. He can seamlessly replace Iyer at number four and score plenty of runs again."
But the selection dilemmas don’t end there. The upcoming South Africa series is set to feature several other changes, some driven by injury recoveries and others by strategic choices. Rishabh Pant, after a long layoff due to injury, is fit again and expected to return to the squad as KL Rahul’s deputy. Pant’s return will add firepower to the middle order and stability behind the stumps. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, is likely to be rested for the ODIs as the team management prioritizes his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. Bumrah’s absence means that India will look to other fast-bowling options, with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj expected to shoulder greater responsibility.
There’s also talk of Varun Chakravarthy making a comeback to the ODI squad, particularly given the home conditions that favor spin. Chakravarthy, who was left out of the Australia tour, could replace Prasidh Krishna in the squad. Hardik Pandya, another vital cog in India’s limited-overs setup, is expected to be fit in time for the series, which could see Nitish Kumar Reddy dropping out.
As things stand, the predicted squad for the South Africa ODIs is shaping up to be a blend of youth and experience: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer or Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya or Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. The leadership group, featuring Gill, Sharma, and Kohli, will be under scrutiny as they seek to bounce back from the disappointment in Australia and set the tone for a crucial home season.
Of course, the final call on Iyer’s availability hinges on medical updates from the BCCI, but the consensus is building that his recovery will not be rushed. The selectors are likely to err on the side of caution, giving Iyer ample time to heal fully before returning to international duty. This opens the door for fresh faces and returning stars alike to make their mark.
With the South Africa series just around the corner, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how India reshapes its squad and responds to adversity. Will Parag’s all-round skills win him a recall? Can Varma build on his recent heroics? Or will Samson finally cement his place in the ODI lineup? One thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be crucial in determining not just the composition of the team, but also its direction as it eyes future challenges, including the T20 World Cup.
The countdown to November 30 has begun, and the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see which new heroes will step up for India in Iyer’s absence. The stage is set for a fascinating selection battle and, hopefully, a memorable series against South Africa on home soil.
