Venkatesh Iyer has clarified that he does not think that he is competing with Hardik Pandya for a spot in the Indian cricket team. Iyer received a chance to play for the Men in Blue last year after Hardik opted out to recover from his injury. Iyer had an opportunity to cement his place in the team as a pace-bowling all-rounder, but he failed to do so.
In an interview with Sports Tiger, Venkatesh Iyer spoke about his disappointing IPL 2022 campaign and said that he does not have any regret but felt the numbers could have been better. He also mentioned that playing for the country is an honour for him but it is never the only driving force for him.
The Indian cricket team will play a five-match T20I series against the South African cricket team soon. Both Hardik Pandya and Venkatesh Iyer are a part of the Indian squad for that series. It is unlikely that both players will be a part of the playing XI at the same time.
Since they are pace-bowling all-rounders and have a similar role, either Hardik Pandya or Venkatesh Iyer will receive a spot in the playing XI. Speaking about that possibility, Venkatesh said:
“Hardik Pandya is a superstar of the game; it will be an immense opportunity for me to learn so much from him. He has won so many games for our country, and I hope he keeps doing so. I am taking it as a beautiful opportunity to learn and observe him. There is no competition between us, he is way ahead.”
Hardik Pandya and Venkatesh Iyer have never played together
Hardik Pandya and Venkatesh have been part of different franchises in the IPL. As mentioned ahead, when Hardik opted for a break, Venkatesh made his debut.
It will be interesting to see how the two all-rounders perform in the upcoming five-match T20I series against teh South African cricket team.
