“Everyone’s very welcoming and gave me a lot of confidence” - Venkatesh Iyer

Ahead of the big clash with NZ, the Indian squad is working hard on their bag of skills. While the new squad member Venkatesh Iyer has come onto the practice field with a  blank mind to learn new tactics from the seniors esp. the new head-coach Rahul Dravid. 

Venkatesh Iyer’s selection in the blues has been due to his big fearless performance in the IPL 2021 season where he played a major role for his team KKR and made 370* runs from 10  matches with an impressive strike rate of 128.47 followed by 4 half-centuries.

Iyer in his talk with BCCI.tv went on talking about his first day of practice with the seniors and the new Coach and Captain duo. He shared a word with Pant too and appreciated everyone by telling that they instilled a lot of confidence into him. The 26-year old said:

“I spoke with the captain and coach and I had a word with Rishabh as well. They were very welcoming and gave me a lot of confidence and gave a little pep talk on how to go about things. It feels good when established players are doing good for the country (talk to you). Especially Rohit Sharma, being one of the best batters in the world, if he shares something with me, it is very special. It feels good talking to them.”

Venkatesh further added:

“I just want to learn whatever I can. Rahul (Dravid) Sir, being the legend that he is, he has lots to share. It’s just about how we will go and pick things depending on what’s asked of us or what the situation is. I have come with a blank mind and whatever happens, I will take it in that manner.”

Venkatesh Iyer has been selected in the squad as Hardik Pandya has been dropped out because of his inconsistency with the ball in the T20 WC. The youngster has performed well in both the areas- batting and bowling; where he has taken 29 wickets overall. 

The medium, right-arm pacer is expected to be a suitable replacement for Pandya.

India will be seen showing off its skill against the Kiwis in their 1st T20I, today at 7 pm (IST).