India tour of South Africa: Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has heaped rich praises on Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and said that chances of him getting selected for 3-match ODIs series in South Africa are high. Follow India Tour of South Africa Live on InsideSport.IN.
The former Test opener has stated that the 26-year-old’s is going through a purple catch and has performed superbly in the last one year to put a strong case in front of the selectors.
“His name is doing the rounds and it is because the guy is doing well. The last twelve months have been like the guy is dreaming with open eyes, whether it was half the IPL, after that his debut for the Indian team and then such a performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Venkatesh Iyer, who did not play a single match during the first leg of IPL 2021. The left-hander played 10 matches in the UAE and scored 370 runs at an average of 41.11. KKR had bought him at his base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL 2021. Very recently, he was retained by the franchise for Rs 8 crore.
His stellar performance also helped him make his T20I debut in the home series against New Zealand in November this year. The Indore-born exhibited a lot of confidence there and batted twice in the lower middle-order. Notably, Venkatesh Iyer scored all the runs as an opener for KKR.
Venkatesh is currently plying his trade in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. He has inspired the the team to the pre-quarterfinals where they face Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Batting down the order, the youngster has scored 112, 71, 151, and 1 in his last four innings.
Aakash Chopra has taken note of the same.
India tour of South Africa: Aakash Chopra backs Venkatesh Iyer for ODI debut, says ‘the guy dreaming with open eyes’
“He was played down the order only in the Indian team in the T20Is and here also he has been batting down the order for Madhya Pradesh. He has hit two centuries – 151 and 112 along with a 71. Of course, all cannot be centuries as he did not bat in the top order.” said Aakash Chopra.
The Knight shines bright ✨
An all-round effort from @ivenkyiyer2512 guides Madhya Pradesh to a 40-run victory over Kerala! ✌️ #VijayHazareTrophy #MPvKER #KKR #AmiKKR #GalaxyOfKnights pic.twitter.com/hw3MKFWTx8
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 9, 2021
Hardik Pandya’s unavailability could help Venkatesh Iyer: Aakash Chopra
Further, the former Delhi batsman opined that the absence of injured Hardik Pandya might just help Venkatesh Iyer in making his ODI debut with the 3-match series which kicks off from January 19 in Paarl.
Hardik Pandya lately did not have the best of fitness and lacked rhythm in the T20 World Cup 2021. The Baroda pacer has not been retained by Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.
“If Hardik Pandya is not available when we make the team for South Africa, he has already said that he doesn’t want to play till he is 100% fit, then his [Iyer’s] name can come. He has taken wickets as well in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy. I won’t be surprised at all if his name is there for the South Africa tour.” he said.
India tour of South Africa: Aakash Chopra backsF Venkatesh Iyer for ODI debut, says ‘the guy dreaming with open eyes’
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