-Vinay Kumar
Venkatesh Iyer made his One Day International debut in the Indian team’s tour of South Africa in the first match of the three-match ODI series (IND vs SA ODI Series, 2022) played at Paarl’s ground on Wednesday, January 19. Before this match, Lokesh Rahul, who was captaining the ODI series in this tour, had said that Venkatesh Iyer is bowling well in the nets, and such all-rounders are important for the team. It is worth noting that Venkatesh Iyer is also being seen as a replacement for the dashing all-rounder Hardik Pandya. But, in this first match of the series, Venkatesh Iyer was not given a chance to bowl. Due to which the captain of the team is becoming a victim of criticism, because South Africa defeated India in this match. However, if India had won, then perhaps the questions would not have even arisen. Gautam Gambhir, the former opener of the Indian team and currently as a commentator, also raised questions on Venkatesh Iyer not bowling.
Before the first match played on Wednesday, when team captain KL Rahul, while talking to the media, praised Venkatesh Iyer’s performance as an all-rounder, it became clear that Venkatesh Iyer will be playing this match in One Day International. Will take steps from now on. Same thing happened. Venkatesh Iyer was also included in the playing 11 of the first match. South Africa captain Temba Bawuma Captain South Africa and Rassie Van der Dussen batted brilliantly, and scored centuries. No Indian bowler could deter these two. Then, it was believed that Venkatesh Iyer can get the bowling done. But it didn’t happen. Questions raised on captain KL Rahul regarding ‘this’ player, why was he not praised again?
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Gautam Gambhir raised questions
Gautam Gambhir raised the question in his commentary during the IND vs SA 1st ODI match on Wednesday that when Venkatesh Iyer is being seen as a substitute for the sixth bowler, then why was he not bowled? He said that the bowling of at least 4 or 5 overs could have been done by Venkatesh Iyer.
It is worth noting that India’s young player Hardik Pandya plays as an all-rounder in the Indian team. He has not been able to bowl properly after recovering from a back injury. This is the reason why Hardik Pandya is running out of the team. In view of these circumstances, discussions are being held regarding his replacement. Venkatesh Iyer is one of those players who are being seen as a replacement for Pandya. Let us remind you that in the season of IPL 2021, Venkatesh Iyer showed tremendous bowling skills with his batting.