Players Other Than Tilak Varma Whom BCCI Can Consider As Shreyas Iyer's Backup In ODIs

Tilak Varma is considered for a role in the ODIs [Source: AFP]

In the latest development, the BCCI is reportedly considering bringing in Tilak Varma into the ODI scheme of things for the 2027 World Cup. The plan is to make him Shreyas Iyer’s backup in the marquee event that takes place next year.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly wants a left-handed batter in the middle order, and he is looking for a player who can also contribute with the ball, and Tilak fits the bill perfectly.

However, the BCCI shouldn’t immediately finalise Tilak as Iyer’s backup player; rather, there are other options that the board can have a look at. In this article, we take a look at players other than Tilak who can be a solid shout to be included as Shreyas Iyer’s backup.

1) Rinku Singh

Picking Rinku Singh in the ODIs will give India two options: He can be a solid backup to Shreyas Iyer, and also, if needed, the left-handed batter can be included in the playing XI as a finisher.

Also, Rinku has the experience of playing in South African conditions, and he has the skills and the temperament to play in those tricky conditions.

Moreover, Rinku also boasts stellar List-A numbers, which back his selection in the ODIs.

(Rinku Singh List-A stats)

• As the data reveals, Rinku possesses excellent List-A numbers, and he has racked up 2418 runs, with an average of 52.56.
• Moreover, he has scored two fifties and 21 half-centuries in this format. Interestingly, the left-handed batter can also be used for a couple of overs, as he has taken 13 wickets, with an economy of 5.23.

2) Shahbaz Ahmed

An underrated domestic gem who has done well in List-A cricket, Shahbaz Ahmed is a solid shout to be included in the ODI squad as Shreyas Iyer’s backup.

He is a more-than-useful batter in the middle order, and he also boasts the ability to take wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin bowling.

(Shahbaz Ahmed List-A stats)

• In 57 matches, the all-rounder has scored 1412 runs, with a stellar average of 48.68. Apart from the bat, Shahbaz has also delivered with the ball, taking 68 wickets.
• India has the problem of not taking wickets in the middle overs, and Shahbaz can be used in that role if he gets a chance in the playing XI.

Also Read: India T20I Squad vs Afghanistan Announcement Date Revealed; 3 Players Doubtful

3) Nishant Sindhu

An underrated player who can be considered Shreyas Iyer’s backup is Nishant Sindhu. The talented player is more of a bowling all-rounder, but he can also be a hard-hitting middle-order batter at number 4 and 5.

(Nishant Sindhu List-A cricket)

• In 46 List-A cricket matches, Sindhu has scored 855 runs with an average of 27, but his real prowess comes with the ball, as the all-rounder has scalped 57 wickets, with an economy of 4.90.
• Moreover, the left-handed batter can also play as a pinch-hitter if India needs someone to score quick runs.

Conclusion

Tilak Varma is a solid shout to be picked as Shreyas Iyer’s backup, but he doesn’t provide the bowling depth India is looking for in the ODIs. Instead, the three players mentioned in the list: Rinku, Shahbaz, and Sindhu are more all-rounders, and if needed, the trio can chip in with runs and wickets.

While Tilak is a better batter than the three names mentioned, but if Gambhir is looking for an all-round cricketer, who brings in balance into the side, then Shahbaz Ahmed is the perfect option.

Also Read: Auqib Nabi Picked By English Team Amid India Test Snub