Venkatesh Iyer Among The Net Bowlers Who Have Been Sent Back To India Ahead Of The T20 World Cup

Star Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer who had an outstanding run in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is among the net bowlers who have been sent back to India ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Super12 stage.

Virat Kohli-led India National Cricket Team is placed in the Group 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. The Men In Blue will commence their Super12s journey with a battle against arch-rivals Pakistan on 24 October in Dubai.

Meanwhile, India has sent four of their net bowlers back to India. The bowlers who have already reached India are Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Karn Sharma, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Krishnappa Gowtham and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer.

Venkatesh Iyer getting back home came as a surprise for many fans as many thought he is a potential replacement for all-rounder Hardik Pandya who hasn’t bowled in any of the net sessions so far.

There Won’t Be Too Many Net Sessions Once The Tournament Starts – BCCI Official

A senior The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that with the Super12 stage commencing India will not have a lot of sessions. Meanwhile, sending bowlers back to India so that they can play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will benefit the cricketers. He said:

“Yes, there won’t be too many net sessions once the tournament starts. The national selectors feel that all the spinners especially would benefit if they go back and play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for their respective states. They need match practice.”

“Also in this heat with optional practice, we won’t need so many spinners,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Meanwhile, India hasn’t sent all of their net bowlers back to the country as there are four fast bowlers, who have been asked to stay back. Delhi Capitals bowlers Avesh Khan, Lukman Meriwalla, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik and the leading wicket-taker of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 RCB pacer  Harshal Patel will help India in the practice sessions in the world cup.

Also Read: IND vs PAK: 3 Reasons Why Pakistan Can Beat India In Their First Match Of T20 World Cup 2021