Gambhir and Agarkar weigh Tilak Varma as Shreyas Iyer's ODI World Cup backup
Tilak Varma has emerged as the frontrunner to back up Shreyas Iyer in India's ODI middle order ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
India's team management is considering Tilak Varma as a potential backup for Shreyas Iyer ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The selectors face a challenge in balancing the middle order with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy struggling with injuries. Varma has been identified as the leading candidate to cover Iyer's role if the Punjab Kings captain is unavailable.
The decision comes as India prepares for upcoming series against West Indies and looks ahead to the Asian Games. Selectors are expected to name a full-strength squad for the multi-format tour of Australia later this year.
CricHubb Take
The search for Iyer's backup reveals how India's middle-order planning now prioritises injury cover over pure batting depth following the struggles of established all-rounders.