India All-Rounder Says He “Wanted to Be There…” After Finding Out He Did Not Make the Twenty20 World Cup Squad

Venkatesh Iyer was asked to step in for an injured Hardik Pandya after having a spectacular run for Kolkata Knight Riders in the United Arab Emirates leg of the India Premier League 2021. This prompted the Indian management to call in Venkatesh Iyer.

In the match against New Zealand that took place in November 2021, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer made his first appearance for the India squad. After Hardik’s comeback to the team, Iyer was taken out of the lineup, despite having played for the national side in nine Twenty20 Internationals and two One-Day Internationals.

Later on, Iyer’s chances of making the team were hindered due to Hardik’s outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup 2022 and the Asia Cup. However, the batter, who is 27 years old, is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to play for the national team once more and give it his all.

“Who wouldn’t want to go on a journey with the Indian squad for a while? Despite the fact that I desired it, I completely comprehended the manner in which Hardik bhai responded. What he did was truly incredible to see. Every nation enters the World Cup with the intention of fielding the best team possible.

I really wished that I could have been there, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible given the circumstances. Cricket has always been viewed by me as an opportunity for growth. In the event that I am not selected to play for the Indian cricket team, I will have the opportunity to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or to play for my state side in various domestic events “Iyer reported this to CricketNext.

“It is not my responsibility to select candidates; all I need to do is ensure that my process is carried out correctly. My injuries prevented me from participating in the ongoing T20s and ODIs, else I would have loved to have been a part of the team. When it comes time for me to compete, you can count on me to give it my all and not give a second thought to anything else “he continued.

When Iyer was still playing with Kolkata Knight Riders, he was given the job of an opener, but when he was called in as Hardik’s replacement, he was given the duty of a finisher instead. When asked about his transition into the role of finisher, the all-rounder remarked that he has the complete support of both coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma.

“When I first joined the squad, I glanced across at the other members and noticed that there were already three openers on the roster. Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Rohit bhai had already arrived to the location.

Therefore, I was aware that I would not be opening. And then when I saw Rahul sir, he asked me how I used to approach the innings when I used to open, and it was explained to me that my new job will be that of a finisher in the innings.

When someone gives you a new responsibility, they are simultaneously providing you with a cushion. That task was completed. I was informed by Rohit bhai and Rahul sir that I would be given a series of games to play in order to practise assuming that position.

And once you have the support of the team’s captain and coach, the task at hand will become much simpler “explained Iyer.

Iyer has played in nine Twenty20 Internationals and has compiled 133 runs with a strike rate of 162.2. In one-day internationals, he only had a total of 24 runs across two games.

Speaking specifically about Team India, the visitors will be taking on New Zealand in a three-game one-day international series beginning on Friday. This comes on the heels of Team India winning the three-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand by a score of 1-0.