Chopra was talking about the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2022.
Former opener Akash Chopra has fired warning shots at all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer regarding his spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 and chose between him and Hardik Pandya for the mega event.
The 27-year-old Iyer made headlines for his terrific performance for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, which led to him being fast-tracked into the Indian team as an alternative for Hardik Pandya. He has shown his big-hitting prowess in recent matches against Sri Lanka in the T20Is.
Hardik, who has been working on his fitness since the last appearance for India in the T20 World Cup 2021, is still seen as the first choice all-rounder if he starts bowling again regularly.
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Aakash Chopra also thinks that Hardik Pandya would eventually pip Venkatesh Iyer in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2022 if he can prove he can stay fit and bowl regularly. He also named Ravindra Jadeja as the second all-rounder in the Indian team for the ICC event.
On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "Iyer is present for now but the day Hardik starts bowling, he will eventually pip Venkatesh Iyer for the role. It is also worth remembering that it is not a bilateral series where you can take 18-20 players at once according to your convenience. This is an ICC event where you can select only a 15-member squad."
"So, when you only have 15 places, you cannot take everything with you. So, you will only have two options for the all-rounder position, and for me, they would be Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. Venkatesh Iyer may have a chance if Pandya isn't fit -- that can also happen but hopefully, it doesn't,” added the former Delhi batter.
Venkatesh Iyer will be seen playing for KKR in IPL 2022, Hardik Pandya will captain Gujarat Titans in the upcoming 15th edition of the tournament which begins on March 26.