Aakash Chopra backs Venkatesh Iyer to find spot in South Africa ODIs
After a stellar performance in the second phase of IPL 2021, Venkatesh Iyer has set the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22 on fire. So much so that several cricket pundits have called for his inclusion in India’s ODI team for the South Africa tour. His exploits in the last few months have managed to impress one and all.
With a question mark over Hardik Pandya’s fitness, the cricketer from Madhya Pradesh seems all set to be India’s new seam-bowling-all-rounder in the 50-over format. Former cricketer and current commentator Aakash Chopra felt the same as well. While speaking about some of the star performances of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in a video shared on his YouTube channel, he had heaps of praises for the KKR opener.
The former Indian cricketer spoke about Iyer’s upward journey, and mentioned the fact that he’s been superb in the last few months. While appreciating him, he briefly spoke about his stupendous numbers in the recent past.
I won’t be surprised at all if his name is there for the South Africa tour: Aakash Chopra
“His name is doing the rounds and it is because the guy is doing well. The last twelve months have been like the guy is dreaming with open eyes, whether it was half the IPL, after that his debut for the Indian team and then such a performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.” Aakash Chopra said.
“His name is doing the rounds and it is because the guy is doing well. The last twelve months have been like the guy is dreaming with open eyes, whether it was half the IPL, after that his debut for the Indian team and then such a performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” he added. The former Delhi opener also lauded him for getting the big scores, despite batting in the middle-order.
“He was played down the order only in the Indian team in the T20Is and here also he has been batting down the order for Madhya Pradesh. He has hit two centuries – 151 and 112 along with a 71. Of course, all cannot be centuries as he did not bat in the top order.” said Aakash Chopra.
Last but not the least, he also spoke about how Hardik Pandya’s likely absence would guarantee the 26-year-old a place in the Indian squad.
“If Hardik Pandya is not available when we make the team for South Africa, he has already said that he doesn’t want to play till he is 100% fit, then his [Iyer’s] name can come. He has taken wickets as well in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy. I won’t be surprised at all if his name is there for the South Africa tour.” he said.
