Aakash Chopra Backs Venkatesh Iyer To Make His ODI Debut Vs South Africa

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has backed Venkatesh Iyer to make his ODI debut against South Africa. India will play three Tests and three-match ODI series against the Proteas. The Indian team has already reached the country and is down to the preparations. The first Test begins from December 26.

Speaking about some of the star performances of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Venkatesh Iyer has continued his upward journey.

“His name is doing the rounds and it is because the guy is doing well. The last twelve months have been like the guy is dreaming with open eyes, whether it was half the IPL, after that his debut for the Indian team and then such a performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”

Iyer has been consistently scoring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has scored 349 runs from five games with two hundreds to his name.

“His name is Venkatesh Iyer. He has made 349 runs at an average of 70, a strike rate of 140. The good thing is that he has scored runs while batting down the order because the place is available there only.”

Good Thing Is He Has Scored Runs Batting Down The Order: Aakash Chopra On Venkatesh Iyer

1⃣0⃣0⃣ up & going strong! 💪 💪

@ivenkyiyer2512 continues his superb run of form. 👏 👏 #MPvUTCA #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/iiow2ATC2n

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 12, 2021

“He was played down the order only in the Indian team in the T20Is and here also he has been batting down the order for Madhya Pradesh. He has hit two centuries – 151 and 112 along with a 71. Of course, all cannot be centuries as he did not bat in the top order.”

Iyer came into limelight in the second half of IPL 2021. He played for KKR and opening the batting scored 370 runs in 10 matches. He hit four fifties in the tournament. Iyer was also retained by KKR ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction.

Aakash Chopra also backed Venkatesh Iyer to make his debut in South Africa. Making his T20I debut against New Zealand, The MP cricketer has played three games this year. He is looking good to make his ODI debut in the absence of Hardik Pandya from the series.

“If Hardik Pandya is not available when we make the team for South Africa, he has already said that he doesn’t want to play till he is 100% fit, then his [Iyer’s] name can come. He has taken wickets as well in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy. I won’t be surprised at all if his name is there for the South Africa tour.” he said.