Saba Karim, the former India wicket-keeper batsman hopes to see the inclusion of all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Indian team. He believes the duo should be groomed and be provided exposure, keeping the 2023 ODI World Cup in mind.
Venkatesh Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad performed exceedingly well in the 2021 IPL, with the latter being the recipient of the Orange Cap. They have carried their form into the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and are making a strong case for their selection with their performances.
Saba Karim Believes Venkatesh Iyer And Ruturaj Gaikwad Have Almost Entered 1st Team Squad For Limited Overs
Saba Karim notes that Venkatesh Iyer is an ideal replacement for Hardik Pandya while Ruturaj Gaikwad can compete for the opening spot. Senior opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is having a very poor run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
On the contrary the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer are in stellar form. Ruturaj Gaikwad has so far smashed three centuries in the domestic ODI – Vijay Hazare tournament and Venkatesh Iyer has registered two centuries in his name.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad was the orange cap winner in IPL 2021 by leading the run-scoring charts with 635 runs in 16 matches with a ton, Venkatesh Iyer played only the UAE leg in IPL 2021 and amassed 370 runs averaging 41.11 with 4 fifties in only 10 games.
“I believe that Venkatesh Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad have almost entered the first-team squad, and I’m talking about white-ball cricket. If we have to start the preparation for the 2023 World Cup, these two players should be part of the squad as soon as possible. They should be given as much exposure as possible,” Saba Karim said.
“Both these players provide a different spectrum for the team. Gaikwad can be the backup opener with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul going strong. On the other hand, Iyer has performed really well while batting at No. 5 or No. 6 in the Vijay Hazare trophy. If we are looking at the replacement for Hardik Pandya, we have already found the player,” Saba Karim reasoned.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is leading Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare trophy, has scored three centuries in a row. Venkatesh Iyer, playing in the middle order, has struck two tons in the tournament and has played a crucial role with the ball as well.
Ruturaj Gaikwad on the other hand had scored 3 consecutive tons- 136, an unbeaten 154, and 124 to emerge as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 21 in the last match against Uttarakhand. Ruturaj Gaikwad had amassed 435 runs in 4 matches so far averaging 145 with 3 tons.
Saba Karim: Venkatesh Iyer Should Definitely Be A Part Of South Africa ODI Tour
The former selector backed Venkatesh Iyer to be in the ODI squad for the South Africa tour. The all-rounder has already garnered experience in national colours in the shortest format during the home series against New Zealand. India is lacking fast-bowling all-rounders at the moment with Hardik Pandya’s persistent injury concerns.
Venkatesh Iyer is the 2nd highest scorer with 348 runs averaging 87 in 4 games. Venkatesh Iyer followed scores of 112 and 71 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season with a dazzling 151. He has scores of 14, 112, 71, and 151 besides registering figures of 1/59, 3/55, 2/58, and 2/64 in the 4 matches so far.
“Rahul Dravid has seen these players for quite a while now. The way Dravid used to prepare as a player, he must be preparing in the same way as a coach. He must have thought about a core of 23-25 players in white-ball cricket circuit,” Saba Karim added.
“He must have started the preparation for the World Cups. Venkatesh Iyer should definitely be part of the South Africa tour. He must then be tracked be in the Ranji Trophy as well because I believe he is an all-format player. It is also time that Gaikwad be in contention for the Test squad,” Saba Karim explained
The ODI squad for the South Africa tour is expected to be announced soon. It will mark Rohit Sharma’s first assignment as India’s full-time ODI captain.