T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has emerged as a potential replacement for Shreyas Iyer in India’s long-term plans for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The 23-year-old left-hander is being considered as a middle-order option as the Indian team management looks to build depth and flexibility in the ODI setup.
India are expected to begin their preparations for the 2027 World Cup during the ODI series against New Zealand. With several first-choice players set to miss the ODI series against the West Indies, starting on September 27, due to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the selectors are also looking at backup options.
Tilak Varma Emerges as Shreyas Iyer’s Middle-Order Backup
India’s team management and selectors are working on stronger middle-order options ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to a TOI report, Tilak Varma has emerged as a potential backup for Shreyas Iyer in the top six.
The 23-year-old left-hander can also add variety to the right-hand-heavy batting lineup. The team management has also asked Tilak to work on his off-spin, as India want a top-order batter who can contribute a few overs when required.
“Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn’t any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy being prone to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI,” a BCCI source told TOI.
India have often relied on Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to maintain the bowling balance. During the recent England tour, Ishan Kishan was also promoted ahead of Iyer.
India Plan for South Africa Conditions as Shreyas Iyer Faces Fitness Concerns
The team management also wants to prepare for the pace and bounce expected in South Africa during the 2027 World Cup. Iyer’s recent exposure to short-pitched bowling remains limited after his injury in Australia.
“The team has to be prepared for the conditions in South Africa during the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia, and his game against pace and bounce has not been tested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are also dealing with niggles. KL Rahul will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn’t a certainty either,” the source said.
India’s fielding has also suffered because of fitness issues. The selectors want younger and more athletic backup options in place before the World Cup. India will begin its preparations during the New Zealand tour in October, with several first-choice players set to miss the ODI series against the West Indies.
Tilak Varma’s Strong White-Ball Record
Tilak Varma has already established himself in India’s T20I setup and recently featured in series against Ireland, England and Zimbabwe.
Earlier this year, the BCCI appointed Tilak as captain of India A for the One-Day Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. He scored 275 runs at an average of 55 and helped India A win the tournament. In List A cricket, he has scored 2,142 runs in 52 matches at an average of 47.60, along with 11 wickets.
Tilak Varma has played only five ODIs so far, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67, with a best score of 52. He will next lead South Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone, starting on August 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.
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