Team India’s selectors face a key selection dilemma ahead of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with regular No. 4 batter Shreyas Iyer unavailable due to his participation in the 2026 Asian Games. India will need to find a reliable middle-order option to fill the crucial batting spot.
The ODI series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram and overlaps with the Asian Games in Japan. India could play the Asian Games gold medal match while also facing the West Indies in the third ODI. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to return, the selectors have several options to consider.
3 Batters Who Can Replace Shreyas Iyer at No.4
Rishabh Pant Offers an Aggressive Left-Handed Middle-Order Option
Rishabh Pant could return to India’s ODI setup for the three-match series against the West Indies after Ishan Kishan’s selection for the 2026 Asian Games. Pant was recently left out of the ODI squad after Kishan returned to the setup.
Pant has played only one ODI since returning from the injuries he suffered in a serious car accident. He has not featured in the format since August 2024. KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, while Dhruv Jurel is also in contention for the backup role.
Pant can add a left-handed and aggressive option to the middle order at No. 4. He has scored 871 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.22, including one century and five fifties.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Brings ODI Experience and Strong List A Record
Ruturaj Gaikwad is another option for India at No. 4, although opening remains his natural position. He has already shown that he can adapt to a different role, scoring his maiden ODI century after batting at No. 4 against South Africa in Jaipur.
Gaikwad made 105 off 83 balls in that innings and helped India recover from a difficult position. However, opportunities have remained limited because of the competition for places at the top of India’s batting order.
He has played only nine ODIs, scoring 228 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of 89.76, with one century and one fifty. In List A cricket, Gaikwad has scored 5,334 runs in 104 matches and 100 innings at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of 101.23, including 21 centuries and 20 fifties.
Devdutt Padikkal Offers a Left-Handed Option With Elite List A Numbers
Devdutt Padikkal could provide another left-handed option if the selectors want to strengthen the middle order. The Karnataka batter has represented India in Tests and T20Is but is yet to make his ODI debut.
In domestic 50-over cricket, Padikkal has scored 2,796 runs in 42 List A matches and 41 innings at an average of 82.24 and a strike rate of 92.61. His tally includes 13 centuries and 14 fifties, with a highest score of 152.
The batter made history during the 2020-21 Vijay Hazare Trophy when he became the first Indian to score four consecutive centuries in a single edition of the tournament. He also finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy with 609 runs.
Padikkal played an important role in Karnataka’s title-winning campaign in 2025, scoring a century against Baroda in the quarter-final and a fifty in the semi-final. His strong List A record and recent form could strengthen his case for a place in India’s ODI squad.
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