IND vs SA: KL Rahul Hints At All-Rounder Venkatesh Iyer Making ODI Debut

Star Indian opening batsman KL Rahul, who will be leading the Indian team in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, has dropped a big hint on the inclusion of bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer in the playing XI for the first ODI.

Venkatesh Iyer got the limelight during his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 stint at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and he got his India call-up for the home T20I series against New Zealand and he did a decent job in that series. Also, after his consistent performance with bat and ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Iyer was included in India’s ODI squad for the South Africa tour.

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Speaking on the eve of the 1st ODI between India and South Africa, KL Rahul lauded the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and hinted that the all-rounder will make his ODI debut in the first match.

“Yes, Venkatesh Iyer has been very exciting since he has played for KKR and done really well there and he joined us for the T20I series against New Zealand.

“He did really well there, fast-bowling all-rounders are always an asset. We are always looking for fast-bowling all-rounders. They balance the team out really well. It is a great opportunity for him to do well in South Africa,” he said.

Every venue is different, the Paarl pitch does look like that it could offer more to spinners – KL Rahul

KL Rahul remained tight-lipped on whether India could play two spinners in the first ODI game. He said that the surface in Paarl could offer more help to spinners than it did in the Test series.

“Every venue is different, the Paarl pitch does look like that it could offer more to spinners than it did in the Test series. We have quality spinners, Ashwin has come back into the team and we know what quality he brings. Chahal has been doing well, hence they become really important for us,” Rahul added.

The three-match One Day Internationals (ODI) series will begin from January 19, 2022, at Boland Park, Paarl. The second One Day Internationals will be played at Boland Park, Paarl on January 21, 2022, and the third and final One Day Internationals will be played on January 23, 2022, at the Newlands, Cape Town.

According to online betting site Betway, India are currently 11/20 to win against South Africa, who are 11/8 to come out to clinch the first test

Also Read: Rassie Van Der Dussen Calls Rishabh Pant’s Dismissal In Johannesburg Test A Massive Moment In Series

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