Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Venkatesh Iyer should be given a long rope in the T20s as his game suits the shortest format. He further added that the left-hander can be slotted in the 50-over format as well.
Venkatesh Iyer made a good impression in the T20I series against West Indies. In the first match, he played a cameo of 14-ball 23 to take the team home from a tricky situation. And in the second match, he showed some fireworks with an innings of 18-ball 33.
Venkatesh Iyer played good cameos in both matches against West Indies
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer stated that he is a multi-dimensional cricketer who can also give you some handy overs.
“Venkatesh Iyer should be given a long rope in T20s as his game suits this format. But, even in one-dayers, it won’t be a bad idea to give him more games. He gives you two dimensions – he bats, he bowls. He can play up the order, he can finish games. That is what I like about him.” Wasim Jaffer said.
Venkatesh Iyer announced himself with a terrific IPL season in the UAE leg as he scored 370 runs in 10 innings which included 4 fifties.
“We have all seen what Venkatesh Iyer does at the top of the order for KKR. But for him to come in at the end and feature in that partnership with (Rishabh) Pant, it was very crucial. It was very heartening to see a youngster like him do so well.
“It is not easy for him. He is playing his first few international games. Yet, he came out and hit those big sixes straightaway in what was a fine knock.” Jaffer added.
Jaffer also highlighted that it was crucial innings for Pant who hasn’t had a great time in the shortest format for India. He scored his third T20I fifty in 37 innings.
“It was a very important innings in the context of the game and for his own T20 international record. He has played some outstanding innings in Tests in such a small career so far. He has played some brilliant knocks in ODIs. But in T20Is, this was a fine knock,” Jaffer said.
Also, read Ruturaj Gaikwad Should Be Given A Full Series Against Sri Lanka – Opines Wasim Jaffer