Venkatesh Iyer has made quite an impression with his all-round performance in the recently concluded T20I series between India and West Indies. Batting at No. 1, Iyer scored 92 runs. Took 6 places and also took two wickets.
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the 27-year-old is now ahead in the race to become the first-choice all-rounder ahead of Hardik Pandya.
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“At this point of time, I think he is a bit ahead because you don’t know what Hardik Pandya is bowling right now or how fit he is. Obviously how IPL goes for Hardik Panya will play a very important role, but at the moment Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.
Jaffer was surprised at how well Iyer adapted to the finisher’s role considering he made waves for the first time in IPL 2021 as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders. “I’m amazed how well he is playing as a No. 6 batsman. We’ve seen him as an opener, but it’s excellent for him to come out and adapt so well at No. 6 and finish the game. Also, the way he bowled, he got some important wickets. He definitely gives [India] Leading the way in the World Cup,” Jaffer said.
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India are looking for a fast bowling all-rounder in the absence of Pandya, who is battling fitness concerns. Iyer has strongly advocated to fill that vacancy.
India head coach Rahul Dravid is happy that Iyer took up the challenge and got better.
“I know he (Iyer) plays a different role (opener) for his IPL franchise, but we are very clear on what kind of role we see him playing… obviously our top three Not really a spot, because these guys are established and are doing very well in the top three,” Dravid said on Sunday.
“So we challenged him, we gave him the role of being able to bat in that position. Every time he’s improved, he’s gotten better. It’s really enjoyable,” he said.
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