IPL 2022: Don't See Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer Or Venkatesh Iyer Compromising Their Top Order Slots - Aakash Chopra

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra reckoned that a few Indian national players won’t bat lower down the order for their IPL teams in the upcoming season.

Venkatesh Iyer scored 370 runs from 10 innings while opening the batting order for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the second phase of IPL 2021 at a strike rate of 128.41.

Don’t see Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer or Venkatesh Iyer compromising their top order slots: Aakash Chopra

Shreyas Iyer will lead KKR this year after he was released by Delhi Capitals, the team he led in 41 IPL matches in the period between 2018-2020.

In the T20I series against Sri Lanka last month, Iyer amassed 204 runs in the T20I series at an impressive strike rate of 174.36 and remained not out in all three innings while batting at No.3 position in Virat Kohli’s absence. Iyer also batted in the same position for Delhi Capitals in 41 instances and looks to secure the spot for KKR as well.

Chopra said that players like Venkatesh, Shreyas and Suryakumar Yadav won’t compromise with their batting positions in the IPL.

“Venkatesh Iyer bats as an opener for KKR but plays down the order for India. For his stateside, the BCCI can make him bat down the order, but in the IPL, the franchises are private and they splash the cash for a particular role. Even Hardik Pandya will bat at No.4 for his IPL team,” Chopra told ESPNCricinfo. 

“Ultimately, runs are counted and that Venkatesh Iyer has shown us. I don’t see Surya, Shreyas or Venkatesh compromising their top order slots,” he added.

Former Indian player Wasim Jaffer reiterated Chopra’s views and believes the KKR skipper can bat at No.3 and score enough runs.

“I don’t think the franchises will agree (to let players bat lower down as the role is for India). (Shreyas) Iyer even said that day that he likes to bat at No.3.

“I think more than where you bat, it’s important how you bat. So if he is batting at No.3 and scoring runs, I think the selectors and the management will be happy,” Jaffer said. 

KKR will play against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 26 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: His Batting Position, We Haven’t Decided On Yet – KKR Captain Shreyas Iyer On Venkatesh Iyer