There are several notable additions and omissions in India’s T20I team for the forthcoming T20I series versus New Zealand, which begins on 17 November. With multiple first-choice players who are playing continuous cricket, players including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami have been given rest. The exclusion of Hardik Pandya from the team, on the other hand, suggests that the BCCI selectors would overlook his one-dimensional ability and fitness issues.
Venkatesh Iyer, who appears to be a shaped successor for Pandya, has been named to the team replacement. The lefty made his debut in the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, dazzling everyone with his all-around ability. Although he frequently scored runs at the front, his willingness to pitch in with useful overs also benefited the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In addition, the youngster was crucial in pushing KKR to the final.
His IPL 2021 big plays won him a berth on the national team, and Iyer would be eager to make an impact. Iyer is well conscious that fast bowlers are likely to get injured. As a result, he has focused on high-pressure situations at work since his career begins.
I have put in a lot of work in both departments of the game: Venkatesh Iyer
“My workload management has been good so far. I am an all-rounder so I have to be equally focused on both aspects of the game. That’s what I have been doing right from my age-group state-level days. It’s so far not been a very big issue,” said the 26-year-old.
“I have always worked hard on my red-ball game and it has been my conscious effort not to be one dimensional. If you have to play for India, you have to be consistent across formats and that’s why I have put in a lot of work in both departments of the game. As much as I have worked on my batting, I have also worked on my bowling,” he added.
For the next T20 World Cup just a year ahead, Iyer would be eager to perform in national colours and secure a spot to fly Australia. Although, with the likes of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in the numbers, he’s more likely to be picked in the middle or lower innings, just like compared to his opening spot in the IPL. As a result, the youngster’s skills would be put to the test against the Kiwis.
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