KKR vs RR: Sunil Gavaskar Believes That Venkatesh Iyer Is Struggling From "Second Season Syndrome"

Venkatesh Iyer, who was a sensation last season, however struggling for runs this season, and after his exclusion from the Playing XI, Sunil Gavaskar believes the 27-year-old may be suffering from the second-season syndrome.

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With a seven-wicket triumph over Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders ended a five-match losing slide in IPL 2022 and back to winning form.

KKR made another change to their playing XI, but this time it paid off as both newcomers performed admirably. Anukul Roy came in for Venkatesh Iyer and bowled 1/28 in four overs, while Shivam Mavi took 1/33.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar commented on KKR’s incessant making up news and leaving out Venkatesh, saying that India’s all-rounder may be suffering from the second-season syndrome.

Venkatesh, who blazed through the numbers last year, has suffered for runs this year, making just 132 runs in nine games, a far cry from his 370 runs in ten games last year. Venkatesh has also been under-bowled, having bowled only three overs and gone wicketless.

‘KKR have had to make a couple of changes’: Sunil Gavaskar

Given Venkatesh’s dismal display in IPL 2022, Sunil Gavaskar believes the adjustment was appropriate.
“KKR has had to implement a few adjustments as a result of their lack of success. Iyer, Venkatesh… I was thinking of giving someone a long rope because he’s only completed maybe 9 or 10 games and hasn’t done anything with a bat or a ball. He may be suffering from  the second-season syndrome.”

“That’s why they chose Anukul Roy as their companion. We all know how good a fielder he is. We’ve seen him come in as a replacement after a bowler has completed his four overs. He is an exceptional fielder “On Star Sports, Gavaskar said.

Two of KKR’s four retained players, Venkatesh and Varun Chakravarthy, were not given a game on Monday.

Also Read: KKR vs RR: The Comfortable Way In Which We Won Without Any Big Players Means That Our Playing XI Is Set – Nitish Rana