Well, it’s not the news Indian fans wanted to hear. Shreyas Iyer has picked up a nasty rib injury during the final ODI against Australia. The good news is that he’s recovering steadily; the bad news is that experts have already ruled him out of the upcoming India vs South Africa ODI series. It’s a real blow considering how vital Iyer has been at number four, but the show must go on. The selectors now have a tricky task ahead, to replace Shreyas Iyer and find a suitable India ODI no.4 replacement before the series kicks off in late November.

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Tilak Varma – The Calm Craftsman

If there’s anyone who looks like a natural to replace Shreyas Iyer, it’s Tilak Varma. The elegant left-hander has that cool-headed temperament you’d want from your India ODI no.4 replacement. He’s already shown in the shorter formats that he can adapt, absorb pressure, and rotate the strike, all essential traits when India’s top order occasionally falters.

Tilak’s domestic numbers speak for themselves, averaging around 45 in List A cricket, and his performances for India A have caught plenty of attention. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar even hinted that Tilak was close to making the cut for the Australian tour. Now, with Iyer unavailable for the India vs South Africa ODI series, the timing might just be perfect.

What really stands out about Tilak is his maturity. Remember his innings in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan? Calm as a monk, sharp as a tack. He knows when to anchor and when to accelerate, a quality that makes him a near like-for-like swap to be a replacement for Shreyas Iyer. If India want someone who can blend composure with modern flair, Tilak might be the man for the job.

Sanju Samson – The Experienced Maverick

Then there’s Sanju Samson, a name that keeps popping up whenever there’s a middle-order vacancy. He’s stylish, he’s fearless, and he’s been quietly consistent in the chances he’s had. With an ODI average north of 50, Samson has built a solid case as a no.4 batsman replacement. He wasn’t part of the Australia series, mostly because he usually bats higher up, but with Iyer out, the stars might align for him during the next ODI series against South Africa.

What Samson brings to the table is experience. He’s been around the domestic circuit for years, faced every kind of bowler imaginable, and seems unfazed by pressure. If India are looking to replace Shreyas Iyer with someone who already knows the rhythm of ODI cricket, Samson ticks the boxes. Plus, his ability to clear the ropes at will means he could give India the late-innings acceleration that’s often missing when the top order slows down.

Some might argue that Samson’s best comes at number three, but he’s versatile enough to adjust. In fact, the no.4 slot might give him the freedom to play his natural game without rushing into big shots early on. If given a consistent run, don’t be surprised if Samson becomes more than just a stop-gap India no.4 replacement in ODIs. He could make that position his own.

Riyan Parag – The Energetic All-Rounder

Now here’s an interesting one, Riyan Parag. A player whose confidence is as bold as his batting. Over the past year, Parag has transformed from a promising youngster into a serious all-round contender. His performances in domestic white-ball cricket have been electric, leading run-scorer in the Deodhar Trophy, a consistent performer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and someone who’s added real bite to his leg-spin bowling.

Parag’s versatility could be exactly what India need in the ODI series against South Africa. To replace Shreyas Iyer, you’re not just looking for runs; you want someone who can bring flexibility, energy, and a bit of bowling balance too. Parag offers all of that. His debut ODI against Sri Lanka last year was brief but impressive; he picked up three wickets and handled pressure like a veteran.

What makes him exciting as an India ODI no.4 replacement is his fearlessness. He loves to take on the bowlers, he thrives in high-intensity games, and his fielding energy lifts the team’s vibe. Sure, he’s still polishing the rough edges, but he’s got that X-factor India often crave in away series. If the selectors decide to give him a go, Parag might just surprise a few critics, and maybe even cement his spot long-term.

Final Words

So, who should it be? Tilak with his composure, Samson with his flair, or Parag with his fire? It’s a tough call. What’s clear, though, is that India have depth, and that’s a luxury not every team enjoys. As the India vs South Africa ODI series approaches, the conversation around how to replace Shreyas Iyer will only get louder. India’s search for the ideal India ODI no.4 replacement might just open the door for the next big name in Indian cricket.