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India’s preparations for the home series against New Zealand have received an unwelcome jolt, with Tilak Verma reportedly undergoing surgery and being ruled out of the upcoming matches. His absence has forced the selectors to look for reliable middle-order and back-up options ahead of the T20I series.
Here are three players who could potentially replace the injured Tilak Verma in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand:
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in blistering List-A form, piling up big scores in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, including a recent century. His performances have pushed his List-A numbers into standout territory. Gaikwad’s domestic consistency marked by clean timing, smart strike rotation, and an ability to convert starts into big innings makes him a strong contender when India need a batter who can both stabilise and accelerate during the middle overs.
The selectors have discussed his inclusion in the past, and his recent Vijay Hazare Trophy performances provide a strong, data-backed case for a call-up. While Gaikwad is primarily known as an opener and top-order batter for Maharashtra and in the IPL, he has shown the temperament and technique to bat anywhere between No.3 and No.5, depending on team balance and match situations.
2. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer appears to be the closest like-for-like replacement in terms of role. A proven middle-order batter with significant international experience, Iyer has delivered consistently in pressure situations for India. After returning from injury, he looked in good touch in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, highlighted by a high-quality 82 in his comeback match, along with fitness clearances reported by multiple sources.
Iyer’s track record in India’s middle order his ability to rotate the strike, find boundaries under pressure, and play long, composed innings makes him an obvious choice if the selectors prioritise experience and match-winning temperament. Naturally suited to the No.4 or No.5 position, he brings valuable experience against top-quality bowling attacks and can adapt his pace according to match demands.
3. Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal offers a slightly different profile as a left-handed top-order batter who has already been part of the Indian setup. He has showcased explosive scoring ability in both the IPL and domestic cricket, along with solid technique and an impressive range of strokes.
Padikkal becomes an attractive option, especially if the team management are looking to maintain a left-right batting combination or add extra firepower at the top of the order. His domestic and IPL performances, combined with prior international exposure, make him a realistic option either in the starting XI or as a squad member, depending on the team’s balance. While best suited to batting positions 1–3, Padikkal has the flexibility to adapt based on match-ups and overall team composition.
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