Venkatesh Iyer scored 4, 12*, and 20 runs in the three matches, and picked up 1/12 in the final T20I.
India whitewashed New Zealand by 3-0 in Rohit Sharma's first series as full-time T20I captain. They started with a win in Jaipur by 5 wickets and followed it up with a comfortable victory in Ranchi by 7 wickets, and the last T20I by 73 runs.
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) sensation, Venkatesh Iyer got to make his India debut in the series. He played all three matches and scored 36 runs in three innings, and picked up one wicket at Eden Gardens.
Rohit had given the trophy to Venkatesh during the series-win celebration in Kolkata. The youngster was moved by the words of the captain which did boost his confidence.
“During the victory and trophy celebration, Rohit bhai came and gave the trophy to me and said well done. Holding the winning trophy was an emotional and proud moment for me. I got a lot of support from my seniors, my captain Rohit bhai and coach Rahul sir.
"It was a special feeling for me when my captain Rohit bhai gave me the trophy and gave a lot of credit to me. He said you have done a good job, keep it up,” he revealed in a chat with Times of India.
Venkatesh also spoke on his batting order preference and said he is ready for any challenge given by the team. The 26-year-old had opened the innings for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021.
"Whatever challenge comes my way, I will accept it. As a cricketer, I should be ready for everything. If my captain asks me to bowl, I will bowl as many overs needed and pick wickets. If my captain asks me to bat, I will go to the middle and score as many runs for my team as possible," he said.
(With Times of India Inputs)