'Can contribute to wins': Venkatesh Iyer publicly demands Test selection from Ajit Agarkar

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer expressed his desire to play Test cricket for the India National Cricket Team. He said that he is confident that he can contribute to India's victories in Test matches apart from ODIs and the T20Is.

KKR vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer is one of the finest all-rounders going in Indian domestic cricket. The left-hander has been a consistent performer for his franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and played a major role in the team winning the title last year.

Iyer, who has represented India in ODIs and T20Is, wasn't retained by KKR ahead of IPL 2025, but the team invested heavily in him during the auction. The all-rounder was acquired by the franchise for a whopping amount of INR 23.75 crore and recently was made vice-captain of the side.

Iyer has also been contributing well for his state, Madhya Pradesh, in domestic cricket. The all-rounder has been decent with bat and ball across the formats, grinding hard to make his comeback in the Indian team, having played last in 2022.

I know that I can actually contribute to India's victories in Test matches as well - Venkatesh Iyer

Ahead of the IPL 2025, Venkatesh Iyer expressed confidence in his skills, saying that he is confident of producing something. He said that he wants to give his all to play for India in all three formats. Speaking to RevSportz, he said:

"Definitely. If I know in my head that I've the skill to produce something… if I'm not able to do that, that will be a regret when I finish. Right now, I know that I can actually contribute to India's victories in Test matches as well. I can play T20Is and ODIs. If I can do that, there's no point in not taking the effort to do it. I want to give it my all."

I feel playing in the domestic cricket itself is an achievement - Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer, while talking about competition in domestic cricket, said that playing in domestic cricket is an achievement. He highlighted that the player who has done well in domestic cricket will do well on the international stage. He added:

"Make no mistake, I feel playing in the domestic cricket itself is an achievement. To represent your state, and especially Bengal, MP… these are cricket states. The moment you get the Indian call-up… yeah, a few failures here and there are fine, but you will definitely do well (if you do well in domestic cricket)."

I do think that if it happens, what am I supposed to do - Venkatesh Iyer on India call-up

Venkatesh Iyer also said that he needs to reach a certain level to receive an India recall. He admitted that he is not thinking that but is well aware of what he needs to do when it happens. He explained:

“It's just a matter of a few good performances, knowing where I stand in terms of batting, bowling, fitness. Once I do that, I would know the call-up is not far. I'm not thinking about the call-up, but I do think that if it happens, what am I supposed to do."

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