Gautam Gambhir Slams Indian Selectors; Says Venkatesh Iyer Should Be Kept In T20Is Only

Team India has been constantly struggling to find a fast-bowling all-rounder for the team and has been a topic of debate among experts and fans. India's premium all-rounder Hardik Pandya had handled these responsibilities to perfection but ever since he has been constantly out of action due to injury, it has put India in a spot of bother. 

Hardik Pandya made multiple efforts to return with the ball in 2021 for India, but his terrible returns forced India to consider their hand. Indian selectors turned towards Venkatesh Iyer, who had magnificent numbers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 for Madhya Pradesh. However, he was benched after just two ODIs. At this, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the Indian selectors for going with Venkatesh Iyer in ODIs. 

"I feel he should only be considered for T20 cricket. Because he doesn't have that level of maturity yet. He has been given an opportunity to play international level after watching him in only 7-8 IPL matches,” Gambhir told Star Sports.  

Gautam further added, "If you are going by IPL performances, then play him in T20 cricket. ODI is a completely different ball game and a completely different beast."

Venkatesh Iyer smacked 379 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Madhya Pradesh and picked up 9 wickets as well. However, in Gambhir's opinion, Kolkata Knight Riders should demote Iyer to the middle order. 

“Iyer had opened in IPL, now he is playing in the middle order. Send him back. If you are considering him for ODI cricket then tell his IPL franchise to play him in the middle order. But I feel he should be kept for T20s only, that too only as an opener if he plays at that position in IPL.”

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India just finished the tour of South Africa, losing test series 1-2 and ODI series 0-3. Team India is next scheduled to play against West Indies in ODI & T20 series at home, starting February 6th. It'd be interesting to see if Venkatesh Iyer is retained and in which formats.