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Sports
BCCI and Gautam Gambhir eye star backup for Shreyas Iyer
✍️ India.com
🗓 01 Sep 2026, 04:38 AM
👁 2
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, together with former opener Gautam Gambhir, are evaluating a leading batsman as a reserve for Shreyas Iyer.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly joined forces with former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir to identify a backup option for middle‑order batsman Shreyas Iyer. Sources close to the board say the discussion is part of routine squad planning ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
While the identity of the replacement has not been disclosed, officials describe the candidate as a "star" player who can seamlessly slot into the batting order if Iyer becomes unavailable. Both BCCI officials and Gambhir emphasized the need for a ready‑made alternative to preserve the team's balance.
The move underscores BCCI's proactive stance on squad depth, ensuring that the side retains a strong middle‑order presence regardless of injuries or form fluctuations. Analysts note that having a high‑calibre reserve could prove crucial in tightly contested series.
Gambhir, now serving in a mentorship capacity, said the board is committed to leaving no stone unturned in its preparation. The final decision on the backup will be communicated to the team management in the coming days.
While the identity of the replacement has not been disclosed, officials describe the candidate as a "star" player who can seamlessly slot into the batting order if Iyer becomes unavailable. Both BCCI officials and Gambhir emphasized the need for a ready‑made alternative to preserve the team's balance.
The move underscores BCCI's proactive stance on squad depth, ensuring that the side retains a strong middle‑order presence regardless of injuries or form fluctuations. Analysts note that having a high‑calibre reserve could prove crucial in tightly contested series.
Gambhir, now serving in a mentorship capacity, said the board is committed to leaving no stone unturned in its preparation. The final decision on the backup will be communicated to the team management in the coming days.