The bad luck of Shreyas Iyer has continued in 2023. After being included in the list of reserves in T20 World Cup 2021 and 2022, Iyer did not get a single chance to play because no Indian batter got injured. Now, in 2023, when he was among the favorites to make it to the World Cup squad, he has suffered an injury. Reports claim that he will not be fit for the mega event scheduled to happen in India later this year.
The number four batting position can deter India’s chances of winning the mega event once again. However, luckily, there are still a few ODI matches left for the Indian team before the World Cup. If Shreyas Iyer is unavailable, the following four players can be tried at number four.
1. Shivam Dube can replace Shreyas Iyer
Shivam Dube recently said that he is eyeing a place in the Indian World Cup squad. After helping CSK win IPL 2023, Dube has gained a lot of confidence. Since he can bowl medium pace as well, Dube can be a great choice to play at number four.
2. Ajinkya Rahane can replace Shreyas Iyer
Another Mumbai-based player who regained confidence by playing for CSK in IPL 2023, Ajinkya Rahane can take the position in the Indian middle-order. Rahane has already become India’s vice-captain in Tests, and next step could be return to ODI team.
3. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar was phenomenal for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023. Shankar has been performing well in domestic cricket as well. Having played one World Cup already, Shankar will bring experience to the table as well.
4. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has not received proper backing in ODIs. Perhaps, if India give him a long rope as the number four batter in the 50-over format, Samson could prove to be a match-winner for the Men in Blue at the grandest stage of cricket.
