Venkatesh Iyer Thanks Brendon McCullum For Giving Him Opportunity To Play In IPL 2021

Venkatesh Iyer was the revelation of IPL 2021 and broke into the KKR team with his power-hitting spree against the best bowlers in the world. As a result, Iyer was named in the 17-member squad announced by the BCCI for India’s T20I series against New Zealand.

A huge thanks to Brendon McCullum for giving me the opportunity: Venkatesh Iyer

The 26-year-old player thanked Kolkata Knight Riders head coach and former New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, for giving him an opportunity to play in IPL.

“A huge thanks to Bazz (Brendon McCullum) for giving me the opportunity to play for KKR. I think that was one hell of an experience. It helped me not only to evolve just as a cricketer but as a person too,” Iyer told news agency ANI.

I am ready to bat at any position: Venkatesh Iyer

Iyer scored 370 runs from 10 innings in the second phase of IPL 2021 at the strike rate of 128.41.

His fearless batting helped him score four half-centuries in the tournament and also pushed KKR in the IPL final. Iyer said he will play according to the team’s requirement, be it with bat or bowl.

“As an all-rounder, it is important to take care of both the aspects, not just one. You have to work harder on your fitness and contribute in all three aspects of the game because fielding is equally important. I am not looking at it as only bowling or batting, I am looking at it as cumulative, and I have to contribute in all departments of the game,” Iyer said.

“As a cricketer, you have to be flexible, so I am ready to bat at any position. Whatever challenges are put in my way, it is a big honour to represent the country, so whatever opportunity I get, I will try to make the most out of it.

“Obviously, I am an all-rounder, so I do not mind taking the spot, and I think I can contribute with both bat and ball. I am very confident about that. I am really ready for it,” he added.

India will play against New Zealand in the first T20I on November 17 in Jaipur.

Also Read: Venkatesh Iyer Could Be The Back-Up To Hardik Pandya, Bat Him At No. 5 Or No. 6 – VVS Laxman