IND vs WI: Venkatesh Iyer Ahead Of Hardik Pandya In The Race For T20 World Cup 2022: Wasim Jaffer

Venkatesh Iyer was brought into the Indian white-ball set-up as a replacement for Hardik Pandya. He made his T20I debut against New Zealand last year followed by his ODI debut against South Africa earlier this year. In the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, Iyer showed his true potential as an all-rounder.

The southpaw scored 92 runs in the three-match series and picked up two wickets in the third and final game. His wickets included big games like Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder. With the T20 World Cup later this year, he is on his way to cementing his place in the XI.

Meanwhile, former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer in his recent interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, opined that Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya for the all-rounder’s slot for the T20 World Cup 2022.

Pandya was not selected in any of the squads for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Chief Selector Chetan Sharma said that he will be considered for selection only when he is completely fit and ready to bowl.

“At this point of time, I feel he’s a little bit ahead because you don’t know Hardik Pandya whether he’s bowling now or how fit he is. Obviously how the IPL goes for Hardik Panya will play a very key role but at this point of time, Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya,” said Jaffer.

The former Indian batter was pleasantly surprised at how well Venkatesh Iyer batted at number six in the opportunities that he got. He has had scores of 24, 33 and 35 in the three innings that he played against West Indies.

The Way Venkatesh Iyer Has Finished Games Is Outstanding: Wasim Jaffer

“I am surprised with how good he’s playing as a No. 6 batter. We have seen him as an opener but for him to come out and get adapted so well at No. 6 and finish games is outstanding.

“Plus, the way he’s bowled as well, got a couple of important wickets. He definitely gives [India] an edge going into the World Cup,” added Jaffer.

Hardik Pandya, meanwhile will return to action in IPL 2022 as the captain of Gujarat Titans. He along with Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill were the three players picked by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

Also Read: IND vs WI: India Tops ICC T20I Rankings After Cleansweep Against West Indies