Venkatesh Iyer scored 20 runs and took 1 wicket in India's 73-run win over NZ in third T20I.
Following India’s win against New Zealand in the third T20I at Kolkata, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer said that he wants to be flexible with his batting position for his team.
Team India outclassed New Zealand in the third T20I to complete the 3-0 whitewash. Batting first, after winning the toss, the Rohit Sharma-led side went off the flyer and scored 69 runs in the mandatory six-over power play.
However, they were a bit sloppy with the bat as they were reduced to 103/4 at one stage after being 69/0. Venkatesh Iyer along with Shreyas Iyer steadied the Indian ship and scored 36 runs for the partnership. Though the former scored only 20 runs, showing great intent, hitting a six and a boundary as India posted a target of 184 runs on the board.
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With the ball, Venkatesh Iyer chipped in as well and returned with the figures of 1/12 as India completed a comfortable 74-run victory over New Zealand.
When asked about batting at different positions, Venkatesh Iyer, who batted at No.3 in the second T20I, said that as a professional cricketer he has always maintained the flexibility to bat at different positions and has been working on adapting to whatever situation he’s going to play.
"I have always maintained that as a professional cricketer, you got to be really flexible as to where you want to bat. There might be occasions where even though you are going to play in the middle-order, you might get to bat within the powerplay.
“That's something I have really worked on - adapting to whatever situation I am going to play. I am going to look to better that," Venkatesh Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Talking about his bowling, Venkatesh Iyer said that he plays the role of an all-rounder for the team and it was great to get a bowl. He stressed that when the team win it’s a special feeling and hope it continues for a prolonged period of time.
"That's what I am in the team for - batting and bowling. It was good to get a bowl finally. Everyone aspires to play for the country. If the team wins and that too comprehensively, it's a special feeling. I hope that this continues for a prolonged period of time," he said.
Team India and New Zealand will now lock horns against each other in the two-Test series, starting 25 November at Kanpur.
(India Today inputs)