Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Venkatesh Iyer, who had a superlative run in the second phase of IPL 2021, is likely to be rewarded with a national call-up during the upcoming tour of South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to send a big contingent to South Africa which might see a couple of fresh faces getting into the plane.
India will be hosting New Zealand shortly after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 for three T20Is and a two-match Test series. And just after hosting Black Caps, the players will be flying to South Africa for a full-fledged series against the hosts.
Venkatesh Iyer with yet another excellent all-round performance in the #SyedMushtaqAliT20 today.
3-0-20-2
50*(41)At the top of his game right now!
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) November 5, 2021
As per reports in Cricbuzz, the BCCI has already begun its preparation for South Africa and is planning to take a 60-member squad. While there are some automatic picks in the squad, the report in Cricbuzz suggests that Kolkata Knight Riders’ star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is one of the players on the list.
Venkatesh Iyer impressed one and all with his consistent performances during the UAE leg of IPL 2021 and was asked to stay back by the national selectors for the start of T20 WC and it looks like a national call-up is around the corner too. The young all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh is likely to travel as Hardik Pandya‘s backup.
Pandya has copped a lot of criticism for his below-par returns in recent times and has looked out of rhythm with the ball. Although he resumed bowling in the last two matches but has looked far from his best.
Venkatesh Iyer scored 370 runs and dismissed 3 batsmen in IPL 2021. It remains to be seen if he is selected only for the T20Is or ODIs as well. He has 87 runs and 3 wickets in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
India will play three Tests and ODIs each followed by four T20Is.
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