IND vs SA LIVE: Venkatesh Iyer debut: The rise and rise of Venkatesh Iyer continues as the 26-year-old makes his debut in the IND vs SA 1st ODI on Wednesday. A fast bowling all-rounder, Venkatesh has made giant strides since his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders last year. Having already made his T20 debut, the Madhya Pradesh ace will hope to make it out with some good outings in South Africa, with BCCI in search of a Hardik Pandya replacement. Follow Insidesport.in for all IND vs SA LIVE Updates
IND vs SA Live: Venkatesh Iyer continues upward trajectory, makes ODI debut after T20Is as BCCI continues search for Hardik Pandya replacement
IND vs SA 1st ODI: Captain KL Rahul had confirmed that Venkatesh Iyer will be making his ODI debut after the all-rounder impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy prior to the IND vs SA ODI series. Iyer had already made his T20i debut on the back of his IPL performances but his excellence in the 50-over format saw him on the team bus in South Africa and straight into the playing XI at Boland Park in Paarl.
The 26-year-old is the latest in line as India continue to search for a fast-bowling all-rounder, an issue compounded by the form and fitness of Hardik Pandya. The lack of a 6th bowling alternative has hurt India especially in ICC tournaments, and India are hopeful that Iyer can answer those problems without much fuss.
Venkatesh Iyer however is unlikely to bowl a huge number of overs with India playing five bowlers, with Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin also doubling up as all-rounders in the playing XI. Nonetheless, Iyer has already made his impact coming into the team, affecting a sharp run out after South Africa chose to bat first. Iyer was electric in the field and sent Aiden Markram packing with a direct hit to reduce the Proteas to 68/3.
IND vs SA Live: Venkatesh Iyer continues upward trajectory, makes ODI debut after T20Is as BCCI continues search for Hardik Pandya replacement
