India will play New Zealand in the first T20I on 17th November in Jaipur.
Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer said that he wants to learn whatever he can from the head coach Rahul Dravid while lauding the team’s coaching staff, ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand in Jaipur.
Venkatesh Iyer came into the limelight during the second phase of the IPL 2021. The all-rounder scored 370 runs in just 10 matches with an average of 41.11 and a strike rate of 128.47.
He was also was handy with the ball and was one of the main reasons behind the Kolkata Knight Riders, reaching the final of the tournament.
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Iyer’s heroics in the IPL 2021 earned him a maiden call-up in the national side for the T20I series against New Zealand, which will kick start today (17th November).
In a video posted by BCCI, Venkatesh Iyer said that his call-up to the India national side is a result of his progress in the domestic circuit. He added that his dream is not only to play for the country but to make his side win.
"I have been playing domestic cricket for a while now and not just me but my team progressed and that's the result I am getting. The dream is not just to play for the country but to make the country win," Venkatesh Iyer said.
While talking about his first day with the Indian team, Iyer said that everyone welcomed new players and he had a wonderful practice session. He credited throwdown specialists for grooming batters.
"It was not a typical first day. Everyone was welcoming towards the new players and I had a wonderful practice session and I got to learn a lot. I think a huge credit should go to our throwdown specialists. They are playing a big role in grooming our batters," he said.
Iyer said that he wants to learn whatever he can from newly appointed Indian head coach Rahul Dravid and will pick his brains depending on the situation.
"I just want to learn whatever I can from Rahul sir. He being a stalwart, a legend, has a lot to share. It's just about how we will and we will pick things depending on every situation. I have come with a blank mind," he said.
Venkatesh Iyer said that fellow Madhya Pradesh pacer Avesh Khan broke the news to him of them getting selected in the Team India.
He remarked that he was happier for the pacer than him because he has seen him grow. He added that they share great camaraderie between them and he has seen the struggle the pacer has gone through.
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"Avesh broke the news to me. I was in my room he came to me and said that both of us got selected. I was happier for him than for me. I have seen him grow. Not just a cricketer but as a person.
“We are neighbours, we play for the same association and we share a good bond. We have been room partners for half a decade now, so I know him in and out and I have seen the struggle Avesh has gone through and the grind he has put in," he said.
With the first T20I just a few hours away from now, it remains to be seen if Venkatesh Iyer will make his debut for the Indian team. The second and the third T20I will be played in Ranchi and Kolkata on 19th and 21st November respectively.
(ANI inputs)