SA v IND 2021-22: 'The plans are set, but I am not too forward-looking,' says Venkatesh Iyer on prepping for SA ODIs

Iyer has already made his T20I debut for India against New Zealand at home.

Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer recently got his maiden ODI call up to the Indian team for the upcoming three ODIs against South Africa. He has already made his T20I debut against New Zealand at home.

He came into prominence for Kolkata Knight Riders in the second half of the IPL 2021 in UAE, where he was given a chance after making 198* for MP in a 2020 Vijay Hazare Trophy match. Iyer made more than 300 runs in 10 odd matches for KKR, helping them turn things around and reach the finals of the tournament.

He was also retained by the KKR franchise for the upcoming IPL 2022 season.

Speaking to journalist Boria Majumdar on the Revsportz YouTube channel, Iyer spoke about his approach as an all-rounder for the upcoming South Africa ODI series.

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"I take things as they come. I take it one day at a time. Of course, I have in mind how to go about things there, to have the preps in place for the bouncy tracks and my role as a bowler, as a fielder, as a batter. Everything has worked out, but I still take it one day at a time," he said.

“Right now my focus is on how to prepare for tomorrow, as in the next practice session and then the next practice session, as soon as I reach South Africa, how to practice there. That is on my mind and not just how I am going to apply myself on the pitch. Of course, the plans are set but I am not too forward-looking for that matter," he added.

The KKR cricketer also spoke about his evolution as an all-rounder, saying his role is more than just batting and bowling. Iyer has been on the radar of selectors since Hardik Pandya has taken a break to get back to peak bowling fitness.

"I think, personally, I always wanted to evolve as an all-rounder; I always wanted to evolve as a cricketer, which just doesn't mean batting and bowling but also fielding and my leadership skills on the ground. You know, just giving advice to the captain or taking those smart decisions here and there," he elaborated.

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"Even if you are not the captain, you don't have the position, you can still contribute to your side by showing your leadership skills, so that is something that I really feel is really important to create an atmosphere where everyone is at parity," Iyer added.

"So I am really working on that and I'm really happy that it's happening, you know. I am completing my quota, I am batting up the order sometimes and also playing the role of a finisher, being flexible, just how I want it to be,” he signed off.