Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is in the lead for a position in the Indian ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 team.
Venkatesh Iyer received his first India call-up immediately after his stunning performance for Kolkata Knight Riders in the second half of the Indian Premier League 2022.
Owing to the absence of fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya due to fitness difficulties, Iyer has been handed a regular spot in the Indian T20I lineup.
In addition, the 27-year-old has consistently performed well for the club. Iyer scored 24, 33, and 35* runs in three T20Is during India’s recent three-match T20I series against the West Indies National Cricket Team, which India won 3-0. In the third and final T20 International, he too took two wickets.
Venkatesh Iyer is now ahead of Hardik Pandya – Irfan Pathan
Iyer has been hitting at an outstanding strike rate, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan, and his height is important since it offers him additional bounce while bowling, which will be advantageous on Australian wickets during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
“At the moment, Venkatesh Iyer is in front of everyone else in the race. With number six, he’s hitting at a strike rate of 180. Second, take into account the bounce he receives. Pathan stated on Star Sports’ pre-match broadcast, “He doesn’t have the speed, but he has the height, so he’ll receive the bounce on the fast fields in Australia.”
In the fight for a position in the World Cup team, Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya, according to Irfan Pathan. He also said that the BCCI selectors believe Hardik Pandya’s selection as a pure batter would be challenging.
“At the moment, Venkatesh Iyer is in the lead. Nothing can be better when you just have two choices. Iyer, on the other hand, is now ahead of Hardik Pandya. Even the selectors have plainly acknowledged that if Pandya doesn’t bowl, his selection as a pure batter is impossible. “We’ll have to wait and watch how he does in the IPL,” the former India spinner added.
