India captain KL Rahul on Tuesday hinted that all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is likely to be drafted in as an additional fast bowling option, which was lacking in the team since Hardik Pandya’s back injury, while he announced that He will open in the first ODI along with veteran Shikhar Dhawan. South Africa here.
Rahul’s interaction with the media was a clear indication that Ruturaj Gaikwad may have to wait his turn and the Boland Park pitch may prompt the team management to play both specialist spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
“In the last 12-15 months, I have batted at different positions because the team needed me at that time and now with Rohit (Sharma) not there, I will bat at the top of the order,” the captain said. before the opening match.
We want to develop Venkatesh as the sixth bowling option
A sixth bowler, preferably a seam or pace option, Pandya’s injury has been India’s major headache for the past two-and-a-half years and now the team management is “excited” what Venkatesh brings to the table with his multiple skill-sets.
“Yes, Venkatesh Iyer has been very exciting ever since he played for KKR in the IPL and then joined us for the T20 series against New Zealand and he did well,” Raul said.
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“Yes, fast bowling all-rounders are always an asset and we are always on the lookout for fast bowling all-rounders as they balance the team. This is a great opportunity for Venkatesh as he is looking good in the nets.”
He clarified that in the days to come, this lean MP will bowl a lot in the white ball game.
“We are trying to develop Venkatesh (as the sixth bowling option) and we will give him that opportunity. He has done it decently and he gives us that option as the sixth bowler.”
Want Shikhar to stay in good head space
Shikhar Dhawan currently plays only ODIs and after a few failures it becomes difficult not to question his place in the team but the stand-in captain wants the senior pro to have a good head space and dominate the bowlers as he is. Can play like that. ,
“He is a senior and experienced player and understands what is expected of him. He is in a great place and has come out here and is having fun, enjoying his cricket
“…and I mean as a captain, it would be about trying to put him in that position and give him the confidence to go out there and do what he is doing and just enjoy his cricket and the team. To give India a start. He has done,” Rahul said all praise for being the oldest member of the touring party.
On a personal level, Rahul likes Dhawan’s approach to batting.
“I have personally been someone who has enjoyed playing Shikhar in ODIs and the way he takes down the bowlers. And I just want him to keep doing what he’s been doing.”
Can play first two matches with both Ashwin and Chahal
India have practiced for two days and it looks like the track at Boland Park will help the spinners more than during the Test series at Centurion, Wanderers and Newlands.
Rahul wants to pick both the spinners during the first two matches.
“We have got good spinners and Ashwin is coming back in the one-day team and we all know what qualities he comes with.
“Chahal has been doing this for years now and has been a great performer for us for years now and it has been great and hopefully we can take advantage of that in the first two games, because the pitch looks like it Will offer a little spin so they both become very important.”
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