VVS Laxman says that Team India should develop Venkatesh Iyer as a utility all-rounder

A couple of days ago, The All-India Senior Selection Committee selected the 16 member squad for the white ball home series against New Zealand in which some of the youngsters have been given an opportunity to represent India.

One of the young names on that list is Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer that a great first IPL season and played a massive part in taking Kolkata Knight Riders to the final.

Could see Venkatesh Iyer at a different batting position

For Kkr, he used to open the innings. But for Team India we can see Venkatesh Iyer in a different role. As Team India already has established openers in form of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma and there is also a backup option inform of Ishan Kishan. And for this series, two more openers are selected and Iyer could find difficulties in finding his spot at the top.

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Laxman said – “I just want someone like Venkatesh Iyer to bat out of his position. India has got five openers in that squad and you know that Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Rohit Sharma are your front-runners for that spot. So Venkatesh Iyer needs to fit but not in the top order”

Venkatesh Iyer could be the backup option of Hardik Pandya

And Laxman also feels that Venkatesh Iyer could prove himself as a utility player as he can contribute with both bat and ball. He could be the backup of Hardik Pandya.

“You want him to bat at No. 5 or No. 6, and also chip in with the bowling, probably a couple of overs or more and make him get used to that position. He could be the backup to Hardik Pandya. You can develop Venkatesh Iyer as a utility all-rounder,” he added.

For this series, some first-choice players have been rested due to the amount of time they have spent in bio-bubbles. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja are the key names who have been rested and Hardik was not able to make it into the squad due to the fitness issue.

Rohit Sharma is appointed Captain while KL Rahul is Vice-Captain. The New Zealand series will start from November 17 starting from 3T20I followed by 2 test games.