Whatever opportunity comes my way, I will grab those with both hands: Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer got limited opportunities in his debut series against New Zealand but still managed to chip in with a couple of handy contributions. The all-rounder smashed a useful boundary in the final over of the first T20I and then hit a 15-ball 20 in the final game of the three-match series. Iyer didn’t bowl in the first two encounters but sent down three overs (1/12) in the third T20I.

India’s T20I skipper Rohit Sharma has already spoken about how Iyer is part of India’s future plans and wants him to stamp his authority batting in the lower middle-order. "It was a memorable series for me. Wearing an India jersey was a dream and it came true. Winning the trophy in my debut series and that too by a clean sweep was a massive thing for me. I am really happy," Iyer told the Times of India.

"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."

It was Rohit who handed Iyer his debut cap and the 26-year-old said he wants to be a captain’s player. "When I got my cap and then went to the middle, Rohit bhai said to go there and express myself and enjoy the moment. He backed me a lot and gave a lot of tips. Rohit bhai knows how to take the pressure off a player and his tips were really valuable for me.

"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."

Iyer played as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021 and smashed 370 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.11. However, India used Iyer as a floater against New Zealand. The left-handed batter batted at No. 6 in the first and third T20I but was promoted to No. 3 in the second encounter.

“It is always good to contribute in multiple departments. I am an all-rounder and I need to be ready in all three departments - batting, bowling as well as fielding. I don't want to focus on the competition part. If I am picked, it's my duty to perform. 

“As a batsman, I need to be flexible to bat at any position. For this, I have prepared myself mentally. Be it opening the innings, No. 3. No 5, or lower down the order, send me, I will score runs. When you are representing your country, you need to play according to the team. You need to put the team first.” 

Iyer said he was given the freedom to express himself and had a clear communication with Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid. “Rahul sir is a legend of the game and has played a lot of cricket for India. He knows how to handle youngsters. I got a lot of backing from him as well. 

“The best part with Rohit bhai and Rahul sir in the dressing room is that the communication was absolutely clear. Rahul sir and Rohit bhai keep the dressing room relaxed and keep motivating every player. Rahul sir gave me complete freedom to express myself. He had confidence in my abilities.”

Iyer, who is set to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy for his state team Madhya Pradesh, wants to continue the good work and remain focused. “The Vijay Hazare Trophy will be my next stop. I want to take it one step at a time. I want to remain focused. Whatever opportunity or challenge comes my way, I will grab those with both hands.”