Gautam Gambhir Slams Indian Selectors; Says Venkatesh Iyer Should Be Kept In T20Is Only

Team India has been constantly struggling to find a fast-bowling all-rounder for the team and has been a topic of debate among experts and fans. India's premium all-rounder Hardik Pandya had handled these responsibilities to perfection but ever since he has been constantly out of action due to injury, it has put India in a spot of bother.

Former Indian batter Gautam Gambhir felt that the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is yet to be groomed in ODI cricket and should be considered only for the T20 format. Iyer had some average outings in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa and was dropped from the playing XI for the final game. He managed just two and 22 in the two innings he has played so far and did not bowl in the first game either which raises a lot of questions on his selection.

Hardik Pandya made multiple efforts to return with the ball in 2021 for India, but his terrible returns forced India to consider their hand. Indian selectors turned towards Venkatesh Iyer, who had magnificent numbers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 for Madhya Pradesh. However, he was benched after just two ODIs. At this, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the Indian selectors for going with Venkatesh Iyer in ODIs.

"I feel he should only be considered for T20 cricket. Because he doesn't have that level of maturity yet. He has been given an opportunity to play international level after watching him in only 7-8 IPL matches,” Gambhir told Star Sports.

Gautam further added, "If you are going by IPL performances, then play him in T20 cricket. ODI is a completely different ball game and a completely different beast."

Venkatesh Iyer smacked 379 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Madhya Pradesh and picked up 9 wickets as well. However, in Gambhir's opinion, Kolkata Knight Riders should demote Iyer to the middle order.

Gambhir noted that Iyer should have played in just the T20s for his lack of maturity and explained the difficulties in the 50 over format which demands different sets of skills. He added that Iyer should be sent back and told to play in the middle order for a considerable amount of time so that he gets used to the role.

“I feel he should only be considered for T20 cricket. Because he doesn’t have that level of maturity yet. He has been given an opportunity to play international level after watching him in only 7-8 IPL matches. If you are going by IPL performances, then play him in T20 cricket. ODI is a completely different ball game and a completely different beast,” Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports

“Iyer had opened in IPL, now he is playing in the middle order. Send him back. If you are considering him for ODI cricket then tell his IPL franchise to play him in the middle order. But I feel he should be kept for T20s only, that too only as an opener if he plays at that position in IPL,” he added

“Iyer had opened in IPL, now he is playing in the middle order. Send him back. If you are considering him for ODI cricket then tell his IPL franchise to play him in the middle order. But I feel he should be kept for T20s only, that too only as an opener if he plays at that position in IPL.”

Iyer came into the international scene after a terrific IPL 2021 where he finished with 370 runs in 10 innings and took his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to the finals of the tournament. His ability to bowl medium pace and bat in the top order has brought him into the mix and he is expected to retain his position for the upcoming limited-overs series against West Indies. India just finished the tour of South Africa, losing test series 1-2 and ODI series 0-3. Team India is next scheduled to play against West Indies in ODI & T20 series at home, starting February 6th. It'd be interesting to see if Venkatesh Iyer is retained and in which formats.