Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has revealed that he is eager to work with Rahul Dravid during India’s limited-overs series against New Zealand. Iyer is expected to make his debut for the Indian team after receiving his maiden call-up for this series.
The three T20Is against New Zealand will be Rahul Dravid’s first assignment with the Men in Blue after taking charge as the head coach. Dravid is replacing Ravi Shastri, whose term came to an end after the recently concluded 2021 T20 World Cup.
Iyer claimed he has come with a ‘blank mind’ and wants to learn as much as possible from Rahul Dravid to improve his game. In an interview with BCCI.tv, he said, “I just want to learn whatever I can. Rahul (Dravid) Sir, being the legend that he is, he has lots to share.”
He added, “It’s just about how we will go and pick things depending on what’s asked of us or what the situation is. I have come with a blank mind and whatever happens, I will take it in that manner.”
Iyer also revealed interacting with Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant on joining the team and feeling welcomed by his teammates.
“I spoke with the captain and coach and I had a word with Rishabh as well. They were very welcoming and gave me a lot of confidence and gave a little pep talk on how to go about things. It feels good when established players are doing good for the country (talk to you). Especially Rohit Sharma, being one of the best batters in the world, if he shares something with me, it is very special. It feels good talking to them,” said Iyer.
With Hardik Pandya’s fitness issues refusing to go away, Iyer has been bookmarked by the selectors for the pace-bowling all-rounder’s role in the team. Iyer’s impressive performance in the UAE leg of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders put him in the reckoning for a spot in the national team.
In IPL 2021, Iyer scored 370 runs in 10 games at an average of 40.11. He also chipped in with three wickets with the bowl for KKR and helped them reach the final of the tournament where they lost to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.
