Venkatesh Iyer joins a new team after being ignored by BCCI selectors

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer has signed a deal for five weeks with Lancashire for the One-Day Cup and the County Championship. This comes after his sensational performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Venkatesh Iyer played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder scored 370 runs for the franchise and also slammed 4 half-centuries as he helped his team lift the third title in the history of the tournament.

However, despite his consistent performance, Venkatesh Iyer didn't get an opportunity in the Indian team. The all-rounder now has decided to play in the UK. He signed a five-week contract with Lancashire but will be returning to the India for Duleep Trophy, scheduled to be held in September.

Venkatesh Iyer has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit as well as the IPL. He would be hoping to continue his good run for Lancashire and then make an impact in the Duleep Trophy, making his case strong for Team India. His last appearance for the team came in the T20I series against Sri Lanka in early 2022.

While talking about joining Lancashire, Venkatesh Iyer opened up about his excitement to play for the historic club. He also admitted that it would be a great opportunity for him to Test his skills and help his team win. Speaking in an official statement, he explained:

"I am incredibly excited to head over to England and to have the opportunity to play county cricket for the first time in my career. Lancashire is a very historic county with a long history of welcoming Indian players to their club. I am looking forward to emulating the likes of Farokh Engineer, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and most recently, Washington Sundar in wearing the Red Rose colours at Emirates Old Trafford.

"To test my skills in both one-day and first-class cricket in English conditions is going to benefit my game. I hope that I can entertain the fans and help my Lancashire teammates to achieve their targets in both formats this summer."

Venkatesh will add experience to a young side during the One-Day Cup - Lancashire Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton

Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton also talked about Venkatesh Iyer's signing, saying that his presence provides him with a great experience and adds great value to the team with bat and ball. He added:

"Venkatesh will add experience to a young side during the One-Day Cup, whilst providing an explosive batting option in the middle-order and another seam bowler that we can turn to with the ball."

Lancashire didn't start well the tournament on high as they lost to Durham. In the county Championship, they are placed in the 7th spot. Their next game will be against Kent on Sunday, July 28. Venkatesh Iyer would be keen to make an impact with both bat and ball and prepare himself for the Duleep Trophy.