India vs Australia: Three possible replacements for Shreyas Iyer in upcoming ODIs

Shreyas Iyer is poised to miss out the upcoming white ball series against Australia, according to sources.

Shreyas Iyer complained of severe back pain during the 4th Test against Australia on Saturday (March 11), just after the day's play. Iyer went for a knock and felt pain immediately during that. He was taken to the hospital for some scans and he couldn't bat on Sunday in the first innings. The severity of his back spasms has now jeopardized his availability for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

India will be taking on the Aussies in a three-match ODI series which starts from March 17. The first match will be in Mumbai, Shreyas' hometown and it is unclear whether the batter will be available for that.

His recurring back pain has been a menace as it ruled him out of the first Test in Nagpur and also the ODI series against New Zealand. BCCI confirmed the player is being monitored by their medical team, but the reports of the scan will further determine the severity of his issue and the course of his rehabilitation.

The BCCI selectors are already in Ahmedabad for the 4th Test and they are set to meet after the match to take a decision on whether to keep him in the ODI squad or announce a replacement. But if he needs to be replaced, these are three names who can be called up for the upcoming ODIs against Australia-

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw can be considered for the Australia ODIs if Shreyas Iyer is ruled out. The batter has been in terrific form in the domestic tournaments and has scored loads of runs.

He was also part of the T20I squad against New Zealand but didn't get an opportunity. Shaw can play a part if required, and especially with the form that he is in, the Mumbai batter will be a decent replacement.

Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda has played all the T20I matches this year for India and hasn't had the best of times. But the Indian batter can be a viable option in the middle of the order.

With his destructive batting ability coupled with his off-spin bowling, the 27-year-old may get the selector's nod for the Australia ODIs. India don't have any off-spinner in their squad for the ODI series, and Hooda can void the gap. The Rajasthan batter has played 7 ODIs till date and has scored 153 runs at an average of 25.

Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has been knocking on the doors for an India selection and despite getting call-ups against South Africa and Bangladesh, hasn't yet made his debut in the national colours. The Madhya Pradesh-born player has been a serial performer in domestic cricket and had a decent Ranji trophy this season. His prominence in the IPL brought him to the limelight, and the swashbuckling batter may get a chance in the upcoming ODI series as a replacement for Iyer.

The 29-year-old has scored 1648 runs in domestic 50-over tournaments, at an average of 34.3 and a sublime strike rate of 97. He can be a decent addition to India's middle order and can play his part with the bat and make his elusive debut for India.