KL Rahul is scheduled to make his debut as the ODIs on Wednesday against South Africa in
the first game for the three-ODI series.
Right-handed opening batsman, now part of the leadership team, is focusing on resolving
an issue affecting India for a while with limited-overs cricket.
Sixth bowlers, most likely the seam or pace option, is the biggest issue facing India over
the past two and a half years because of Hardik Pandya’s injuries, and the management of
the team is “excited” looking at what Venkatesh Iyer can bring to the table by bringing
diverse skill sets.
In the lead-up to the series opener on Boland Park in Paarl, Boland Park in Paarl, Rahul
stated that Iyer has exploded on the scene after an outstanding campaign for Kolkata
Knight Riders in IPL 2021’s Dubai phase, is currently being considered as an alternative
sixth bowler.
“Yes, Venkatesh Iyer has been fascinating since the time he has played for KKR in the IPL,
and then he joined us for the T20 series against New Zealand, and he did well,” Raul stated
in the virtual news conference that was held Tuesday.
Rahul has made it clear that the MP’s tall and skinny figure will be bowling quite a bit in
white-ball matches in the coming days.
“We are trying to develop Venkatesh (as the sixth bowling option), and we will give him
that chance.
He has done decently, and he gives us that option as the sixth bowler.”
Iyer played his T20I debut in the series at home against New Zealand last year.
He was in excellent condition to represent Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
India’s domestic one-day event.
The right-handed batsman and left-handed medium-pacer took nine wickets in six games
and scored 379, including two hundred runs at the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the youngster’s ODI cap next Wednesday.
Rahul said that Iyer had been a good player in the nets.
“Yes, fast-bowling all-rounders are always an asset, and we are always looking for fast
bowling all-rounders as they balance the team out.
It’s an excellent opportunity for Venkatesh as he is looking good in the nets,” the captain
said.
