India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who made his debut last year, has earned an ODI call-up for the three-match series against South Africa. However, it came on the back of his stunning show in the second half of the IPL 2021, where he played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He helped KKR to reach the final but failed to win the title despite scoring a fifty against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

While speaking to Boria Majumdar, Iyer said that he wants to constantly evolve as a cricketer and also wants to become more flexible.

READ HERE: Wasim Jaffer names batting-order for 2nd Test vs New Zealand

“I think, personally, I always wanted to evolve as an all-rounder, I always wanted to evolve as a cricketer. Which just doesn’t mean batting and bowling but also fielding and my leadership skills on the ground. You know, just giving advice to the captain or taking those smart decisions here and there. Even if you’re not the captain, you don’t have the position, you can still contribute to your side by showing your leadership skills, so that is something I really feel is really important to create an atmosphere where everyone is at parity,” Venkatesh Iyer said.

He further added: “So I’m working on that and I’m really happy that it’s happening, you know. I’m completing my quota, I’m batting up the order sometimes and also playing the role of a finisher, being flexible, just how I want it to be. I take things as they come. I take it one day at a time. Of course I have in mind how to go about things there, to have the preps in place for the bouncy tracks. As a bowler, as a fielder and as a batter.”

ALSO READ: Fans react as the first Test between INDvNZ ended in a draw

“Everything has worked out, but I still take it one day at a time. Right now my focus is on how to prepare for tomorrow, as in the next practice session and then the next practice session. As soon as I reach South Africa, how do I practice there… That is on my mind and not just how I am going to apply myself on the pitch,” Venkatesh Iyer concluded.

The ODI series against South Africa will begin on January 19.