The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been plagued by injury issues during the ongoing 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma was admitted to a hospital in Delhi with a viral infection, while wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan suffered a horrific injury during a practice session in Delhi.

Ishan was hit on the toe by a deadly yorker from Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. The southpaw screamed in pain and immediately took off his shoes and pads as physios rushed to attend to him. If both openers against Pakistan are doubtful, the BCCI may be forced to look for a replacement.

Amid this sudden injury crisis, the following three replacement batsmen are likely to be part of India’s T20 World Cup squad.

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3 replacement batsmen on standby amid injury crisis in India training camp

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is not a natural opener but his ability to handle pressure makes him a strong contender for backup selection. The right-handed batsman performed well during IPL 2025. He scored 604 runs in 17 games for Kings XI Punjab at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07.

He has scored 1,104 runs in 51 T20Is at an average of 30.67 and a strike rate of 136.13. Shriyas is considered one of the best spinners in world cricket. Middle-order batsmen who can dominate Pakistan’s spin attack in the middle overs include Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed.

His experience in high-pressure ICC events adds significant value. With India likely to be forced to use a makeshift top order, Iyer could stabilize the innings at third or fourth.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is the frontrunner for a similar replacement for the top job. The right-handed batsman scored 869 runs in 36 T20I games at an average of 28.03 and a strike rate of 138.60, including three half-centuries and a century, with a best score of 126*.

Gill has the ability to handle Pakistan’s pace attack with the new ball, including Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza. He was the vice-captain in the T20Is against South Africa before being dropped.

He is a perfect fit for India’s aggressive batting setup. Considering the injury issues in the opener, bringing in a specialist opener like Gill is the most logical option.

Travel to Jikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is the ‘wildcard’ selection and the Indian team management may call upon him as his replacement. The Chennai Super Kings skipper has scored an impressive 633 runs in 23 T20I games at an average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.54.

In 2023, Gaikwad scored a century against Australia (123*). Given the conditions that are expected to help spinners, he could become a valuable asset to the team. He is a proven match-winner who can dominate innings and allow power batsmen like Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to finish.

If the management wants a reliable opener who is unlikely to lose wickets in high-pressure matches, Gaikwad is a good choice. He last played for India in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2024.

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