The dynamic all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is currently plying his trade for Lancashire in the United Kingdom after a decent show in the 2024 IPL season for KKR. In a recent fun segment by the club, tagged ‘This or That,’ Iyer found himself in a spot when he was asked to choose between cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.

After a moment of silence, the 29-year-old picked Dhoni – something which puts into perspective just how much respect and admiration the former Indian captain has from his peers. Iyer has been part of the KKR camp since 2021 and has represented India in two ODIs and nine T20Is.

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While he managed 370 runs in 13 innings of his recent IPL stint, his average came at an extraordinary 46.25, underlined by four half-centuries and a strike rate of 158.79. This was a continuation of the stellar impact he made in the 2021 season when he burst onto the scene with 370 runs in 10 games at an average of 41.11 to force his way into the India squad.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 or 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 with Venky! 🍿@venkateshiyer is a big fan of your work, @PhilSalt1… 🤣

🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/rEW9sCj7C9

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 28, 2024

Still, Iyer has found his sojourn with Lancashire in the One-Day Cup quite torrid. For the Rs 12.25 crore buy at this year’s auction, he has made just 78 runs in five games and taken three wickets, despite his good form in the IPL. Again, it is this unpredictability that has made cricket such an intriguing sport-what works for one format or league doesn’t necessarily work for another.

For this, his all-round capabilities will be of great value. This is after his spell in the UK, and Iyer will return to India, sorely missing out on playing the Duleep Trophy.

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His last domestic season wasn’t very rewarding-just 182 runs in 12 innings-but his continuing presence in the IPL keeps him in focus. The way he regains form is well-marked, and with it the interest of the national selectors, as his fans wait with bated breath to witness the career graph of this promising batsman.