India’s team management and selectors have started looking at backup options for the middle order ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027, with young batter Tilak Varma emerging as a potential replacement for Shreyas Iyer in the top six.
According to the sources Tilak’s name has been discussed as a backup option for Iyer. The left-handed batter could also provide variety to India’s predominantly right-handed batting lineup.
Tilak Varma Considered for Middle-Order Backup Role
The Indian team management reportedly wants to develop a stronger pool of backup players before the next ODI World Cup. Tilak Varma is being considered because of his left-handed batting and his potential to contribute with the ball.
Tilak has reportedly been asked to work on his bowling as his off-spin is considered to have potential. The team management is also concerned about the limited number of bowling options available among the top-order batters.
Having a batter capable of contributing a few overs could give India greater flexibility while selecting the playing XI.
India Looking for More Bowling Options
One of the major concerns for the team management is the lack of reliable bowling options among the top six.
India have previously used players such as **Washington Sundar and Axar Patel** at No. 5 or No. 6 to maintain the balance between batting and bowling.
The team management reportedly wants younger players who can strengthen both departments and reduce the pressure on the specialist bowlers.
Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also faced fitness concerns, which has increased the need for dependable backup options.
Shreyas Iyer Remains Important to India’s ODI Setup
Shreyas Iyer remains an important part of India’s ODI middle order, but selectors are reportedly keen to have a ready replacement in case of injury or unavailability.
Iyer’s recent injury history has also prompted discussions about India's options in the middle order. The conditions expected during the **2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia** could make batting depth and adaptability particularly important.
India also have several experienced players whose future availability and fitness will need to be monitored as the World Cup approaches.
Fitness and Age a Major Consideration
The management is reportedly looking at younger players because of concerns surrounding the fitness andage of some established stars.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are senior members of the ODI setup, while KL Rahul will also be in his mid-30s by the time of the next World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja's future role is another factor that could influence India's squad planning. Fitness issues have also affected India's fielding standards at times, making younger and more athletic backup players increasingly valuable.
Selectors Wary of Playing Batters Out of Position
Another important point is that selectors are reportedly reluctant to move specialist batters into unfamiliar positions.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, for example, was previously used at No. 4 and scored a century against South Africa in Raipur. However, he has not been a regular part of India's ODI plans since then.
The management reportedly believes players should largely be developed in roles that suit their natural batting positions.
This could also explain why India are cautious about rushing Devdutt Padikkal into the ODI setup, particularly after he established himself as an opener in white-ball cricket.
West Indies Series Could Be Different
India's upcoming West Indies series is expected to be an exception to the long-term planning strategy because several regular players will reportedly be unavailable.
Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel are among those expected to miss the series.
As a result, the selectors are likely to focus more heavily on finding another wicketkeeper-batter for the squad.
However, the bigger objective remains building a strong pool of younger players who can step into key positions before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India’s ODI World Cup 2027 Planning Begins
With the next ODI World Cup approaching, India’s selectors have plenty of time to test different combinations.
Tilak Varma could become an important part of those plans if he develops his bowling and establishes himself as a reliable middle-order batter in the 50-over format.
The combination of left-handed batting, middle-order flexibility and potential bowling ability makes Tilak an intriguing option for India's future ODI setup.
For now, Shreyas Iyer remains a key candidate for the middle-order role, but the emergence of backup options could give India greater squad depth and flexibility heading into the World Cup.