In the 2nd T20I involving India and New Zealand, youngster Venkatesh Iyer was pushed to the No.3 spot. Iyer scored 12* off 11 with the bat. In addition, legendary Indian bowler Zaheer Khan praised India’s choice to advance Iyer to the No.3 spot. Here is what Zaheer Khan Speaks On Venkatesh Iyer Spot
Zaheer Khan Speaks On Venkatesh Iyer Spot
Khan believes that this decision implies that the ‘Men in Blue’ are already planning for the next T20 World Cup in 2022 and that it was a strategic choice made by the Indian team management with the future prospects.
“The move to promote Venkatesh Iyer to No.3 when the opportunity arose proves that India are already thinking about the next T20 World Cup. Had they not done something like that, then you could have said that they missed an opportunity. It was definitely a proactive move by the management keeping the future in mind,” said Zaheer Khan.
We need to sort out our middle order, the rest all seems fine: Pragyan Ojha
Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha believes the Indian team has to strengthen their middle order, which has been a source of contention in recent ICC events. Ojha also believes that the Indian top order, and also the bowling attack, is in great form.
“We need to sort out our middle order. That is what is hurting us in ICC tournaments. If we get that in place, rest all seems fine. Our top-order batting and bowling are excellent. But this is one box we still need to tick,” said Ojha.
Ojha further stated that when Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were removed for poor figures in the first 2 World Cup games, the Indian middle order struggled to advance. Ojha believes that the middle order’s underperformance lost India a spot in the mega event’s semi-finals.
“India’s middle order failed to deliver after Rohit and Rahul perished cheaply in the first two games of the T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively. The below-par efforts ended up costing India a place in the semis,” concluded Ojha.
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