The list of injured players is growing, which has become a new concern for Indian management. Just before the World Cup, the injury of the two key players has put the management under tension. Tilak Varma underwent a testicular torsion surgery after feeling pain in the acute abdominal area. While the BCCI confirmed that India all-rounder Washington Sundar experienced sudden discomfort in his left lower rib while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday. He is scheduled to undergo further medical scans, after which the BCCI medical team will consult specialists to determine the extent of the injury.
Both players have been preparing for the big event for almost two years, and Tilak Varma evolved as one of the key batters who made runs and anchored the innings constantly. Washington Sundar also evolved as a very handy all-rounder who is ready to perform in any situation. Though it is expected that they will come back shortly before the World Cup, if something goes wrong, India needs to be ready with backup players.
Here is a list of five players who can join the team whenever needed-
Shreyas Iyer- If India wants to go with a like-for-like replacement for Tilak Varma, then he can be the best option, as his ability to fire and to build the innings is one of the best. He is the best man who is sitting out. In the last IPL season, he scored 604 runs in 17 matches and hammered 39 sixes with a strike rate of 175. 07.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad- Known for his technique and reliability in the middle. He has one of the finest batters who can also give the team the option of opening. He did not play a lot of cricket in the last year, but whenever he got the chance, he grabbed it. From the Ranji trophy to international matches, everywhere he scored centuries and made runs.
Jitesh Sharma- In the last year, he has always stayed in the Indian team radar, but has fallen short in the last selection. He can add value in the middle, where he proved himself many times, though how much he can help in the top is a question, but his experience will surely add value to the team.
Ayush Badoni- Can be used as a like-for-like replacement for Washington Sundar. He also provides flexibility in the batting position; he can also round his arm whenever needed. Recently, he has joined the Indian ODI team as a replacement player for Sundar.
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Shahbaz Ahmed- Recently did really well with both bat and ball for Bengal. He has also joined the Indian team, replacing Axar Patel in the last South Africa series.
These are the like-for-like replacements that can add value in the team; other than the players like Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sarfaraz Khan, who can also come up in the talking points. Though India has Ishan Kishan, who can also bat anywhere in the middle, he can fill the vacancy of Tilak Varma if needed.
