India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer made his India debut in the T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand in December 2021. However, he has now been added to the squad for the three-match ODI series in South Africa as well. But for him, the “ultimate objective” is to do well in Test cricket.
Speaking to Boria Majumdar on ‘Backstage with Boria’, Iyer said: “The objective is not just to get into any team. The objective is to be there and make the team win. Irrespective of the quantum of the performance, but contribute in the side’s victory. That’s what is in my mind and not just getting into any team.”
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He continued: “I’m not just looking at it from the T20 perspective or the ODI perspective, even in the longer format, I can be an asset to the team and I would like to definitely contribute to the side’s victory. That is the ultimate objective. To make India win in the longer format is actually my goal.”
However, he also said that simply representing Team India is “not a very special achievement.” He stated that he wants to help India win matches and tournaments as well.
Venkatesh Iyer said: “0.1 per cent (of India’s population) does get to play for the country, so it’s not a very special achievement. I look at it that way. I did well and then I was in the team. And now I have a task in hand to make India win. I don’t want to be the guy who just comes into the squad, I want to make India win. Not just matches, but tournaments as well, and my focus is on that.”
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While speaking about his success in IPL and how eventually he earned the maiden call-up, Iyer has recalled his journey. However, Venkatesh Iyer is likely to make his ODI debut in South Africa as well after a stunning campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“After the IPL, there were rumours of me joining the Indian team or somehow getting into the Indian team. I’d be lying if I said I don’t use social media. I do check a lot of rumours that go around, lot of memes, lot of pages mentioning my name, ‘as per reports’. And that lights a spark in me, it motivates me to do well. If someone is talking about me, why not give them something good to talk about,” Venkatesh Iyer concluded.
