Uncapped Indian, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is looking forward to learning from the newly-appointed coach and former Indian skipper, Rahul Dravid as he is gearing up for his debut international series against New Zealand. Former Indian skipper, Rahul Dravid, who played 164 Tests and 344 ODIs between 1996 and 2012 and accumulated in excess of 20,000 runs across the formats, will succeed Ravi Shastri, beginning with the home series against New Zealand from Wednesday.
Venkatesh Iyer received his maiden international call-up for the three-match T20I series against the Kiwis, scheduled to be commencing on November 17. Iyer was rewarded for his consistency after his stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
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Iyer was one of the big reasons behind KKR’s resurgence in the second half of IPL 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. The 26-year-old had managed to score as many as 370 runs from 10 matches at an average of 41.11 with 4 half-centuries and also took 3 wickets in his debut IPL season.
Of bond with buddy @Avesh_6 👌
Warm welcome from @ImRo45, Rahul Dravid & @RishabhPant17 👏
Special request for WWE's The Undertaker 😎 @ivenkyiyer2512 discusses it all with @28anand in this special feature. 👍 #TeamIndia #INDvNZFull interview 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/xPiTo2h1NL pic.twitter.com/hFbxv23wy7
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2021
In a video shared by the BCCI, Venkatesh Iyer said, “I just want to learn whatever I can. Rahul (Dravid) Sir, being the legend that he is, he has lots to share. It’s just about how we will go and pick things depending on what’s asked of us or what the situation is. I have come with a blank mind and whatever happens, I will take it in that manner.”
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Venkatesh Iyer has been brought in as a probable replacement for Hardik Pandya and the three games are likely to give an indication if he can be groomed for the much-needed fast bowling all-rounder’s slot.
Talking about the same, Venkatesh Iyer said, “I spoke with the captain and coach and I had a word with Rishabh as well. They were very welcoming and gave me a lot of confidence and gave a little pep talk on how to go about things. It feels good when established players are doing good for the country (talk to you). Especially Rohit Sharma, being one of the best batters in the world, if he shares something with me, it is very special. It feels good talking to them.”
