Is Venkatesh Iyer India’s answer to pace-bowling all-rounder in T20Is?

Around three months ago, Venkatesh Iyer was just another name in Indian cricket. Before the start of the IPL 2021 second leg, he was an unknown entity. But once the tournament started, he played as if he had been plying his trade on the field for over a decade. He was fearless against top-quality bowling attacks and was a major reason behind Kolkata Knight Riders qualifying for the final.

Even in the final when KKR lost to the Chennai Super Kings, Iyer looked his very best before his dismissal brought about a collapse. Moreover, he showed his quality as a bowler during the tournament. From being a ‘no one’ in the world cricket, he was definitely a ‘someone’ by the end of the IPL. Later, it was reported that he’d join as India’s net bowler in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Iyer’s breakthrough moment came when he was picked to play for India in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Although he didn’t produce a significant performance, he managed to stay in contention and also garnered skipper Rohit Sharma’s praises. In fact, in the final T20I at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Iyer picked up one wicket and bowled at an economy rate of four in three overs.

Is Venkatesh Iyer a future all-rounder prospect?

Iyer’s recent performances, both with bat and ball, have given rise to questions regarding his ability to become a genuine all-rounder for India in T20Is. In 2016 when Hardik Pandya came into the picture, the same queries came to the fore. But five years down the line, he has strained to build on the form he showed in the early part of his career. Injuries have also pegged him back to some extent.

Pandya has faced issues with his back and hence, he has refrained from bowling in any format. Iyer, without a doubt, has made a promising start to his career, but it’s his consistency that will define if he’s a long-term prospect for the Men in Blue. If Iyer can replicate his potential in the next two years, he may turn out to be a mighty competitor for Pandya even in ODI cricket.