IND vs NZ: "I Would Have Wanted To Be There, But Again It’s Not In My Hands"- Venkatesh Iyer On Missing Out On The T20I World Cup 2022
Updated - 23 Nov 2022, 12:22 PM
Venkatesh Iyer was predicted to step into Hardik Pandya’s shoes as the all-rounder while Pandya was recovering from a back injury. Iyer broke into the Indian cricket team in the second half of IPL 2021 after having a fantastic season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He played in nine T20 Internationals and two ODIs before being benched. Iyer’s chances of a comeback were snuffed out by Pandya’s forceful recovery from injury, and he returned to the grind of local competition for his state, Madhya Pradesh.
I Have Always Looked At Cricket As An Opportunity: Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer discusses his displeasure at missing the bus for the recently finished T20 World Cup in an exclusive interview with Cricketnext.com from Bengaluru, where he is receiving rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“Who doesn’t want to have a long run with the Indian team? Even though I wanted that, I clearly understood the way Hardik bhai came back. What he did was really amazing. Every team wants to pick the best team for the World Cup. I would have wanted to be there, but again it’s not in my hands.
I have always looked at cricket as an opportunity. If am not playing with the Indian cricket team, it’s my opportunity to play in the IPL or represent my state side in domestic competitions.
My job is to only do my process right and not worry about selection. I might have been in the team for the T20s and ODIs going on, but I, unfortunately, sustained an injury. I will ensure that when I get to play, I will give my best and not worry about anything else.”
The 27-year-old scored 62* and 6/20 against Rajasthan to kick off the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and he followed it up with 57, 42, and 28 in the following three games. Iyer was gaining momentum when a freak injury ended his strong run. He had surgery because he had fallen and twisted his ankle.
Venkatesh Iyer’s domestic campaign is almost certainly gone, but he expects to play again early in 2019 and wants to get back into the Indian team’s locker room.
Also Read: Alyssa Healy Named Australia Women Captain For India T20I Tour
