Former India player Ajay Jadeja feels that Venkatesh Iyer has an edge over other players in the Indian T20 squad because of his versatility. Jadeja also pointed out that, among pure batters, Iyer is the only one who can bowl as well. Further, he can bat in the middle order and open for the team too as well.
He has impressed in the three-match T20I series in Kolkata against the West Indies. He scored 24*, 33 and 35* at a quick pace, and also picked up with two wickets in the third and final T20I. Praising Iyer, Jadeja named him the most versatile player in the Indian team right now.
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During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Ajay Jadeja said in this regard: “Venkatesh Iyer seems the only (sixth bowling) option for now. No other pure batter bowls. All others who have come in over the last couple of years have been pure batters. He is the only one who is doing it. If there is the edge that somebody is going to get for bowling alongside batting, then Venkatesh Iyer seems to be the guy. He is actually an opening batsman as well. He can be the third opener if needed. He is your most versatile player at the moment in this Indian side.”
Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has added that the promising cricketer had a fabulous series against the West Indies as well.
He added: “He has batted brilliantly. He has come in at different situations and batted outstandingly well. With the ball today, he showed what he can do, changing up his pace. On a wicket which helped the batters, he still managed to get a couple of important wickets.”
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Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has also got an opportunity to play in the playing XI in the third T20I, with Virat Kohli being rested.
While speaking about the batter’s cameo, Karthik said: “I thought Shreyas Iyer looked really good while he batted. The intent with which he came in, his attitude, it just looks good. It is a hard role to fill (No.3 spot). I think he will get a good run in the Sri Lanka series. Virat (Kohli) has taken a break. You are talking about the world’s best batter. But he will do a good job, for sure. There is no doubt about it.”
