India Playing XI 1st ODI: Venkatesh Iyer to make his ODI debut – After T20Is, Team India continue to search for Hardik Pandya replacement in ODIs. Stand-in captain KL Rahul confirmed that Venkatesh Iyer is all set to get a longer rope, making his ODI debut in the 1st match against South Africa. However, luck is not in favour of Ruturaj Gaikwad and he will have to sit out longer. Follow IND vs SA Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
India (Playing XI): KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal
Injury-prone Hardik Pandya is recovering from a back injury as he aims to return to bowling action before making India comeback. His absence has left a void in India’s Playing XI. The lack of the sixth bowling option makes it to execute plans. After an impressive IPL debut with KKR, Venkatesh Iyer’s progress was fast-tracked, handing him T20 debut. But he was underutilised in bowling. But it will change.
India Playing XI 1st ODI: Venkatesh Iyer makes ODI debut, Ruturaj Gaikwad to wait for his chance – Follow Live Updates
Preps in full swing 💪
1⃣ day to for the 1st #SAvIND ODI 👌#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/C6IlWxi3Lz
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2022
Also Read: SA India 1st ODI LIVE– Follow Live Updates
“Yes, Venkatesh Iyer has been very exciting since he has played for KKR and done really well there and he joined us for the T20I series against New Zealand. He did really well there, fast-bowling all-rounders are always an asset. We are always looking for fast-bowling all-rounders. They balance the team out really well. It is a great opportunity for him to do well in South Africa,” KL Rahul said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
However, the same cannot be said about Ruturaj Gaikwad. India’s top-order is over-crowded especially with skipper (Rohit Sharma), vice-captain (KL Rahul) and ex-captain (Virat Kohli) occupying the top 3 spots. Despite scoring tons of runs in IPL and domestic cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to sit out and wait for his chance.
India Playing XI 1st ODI: Venkatesh Iyer makes ODI debut, Ruturaj Gaikwad to wait for his chance – Follow Live Updates
The South Africa series was a chance but with Shikhar Dhawan’s return, the position is expected to go to him, extending his bench-warming period. Gaikwad has been in fine scoring form, smashing four centuries in five matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after taking the Orange Cap in IPL 2021.
“I have personally been someone who has enjoyed seeing Shikhar play in ODIs and how he takes down bowlers. and I just want him to continue doing what he has been doing,” KL Rahul said.
India Playing XI 1st ODI: Venkatesh Iyer to make his ODI debut, Ruturaj Gaikwad to wait for his chance – Follow Live Updates
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