India vs West Indies: Rahul Dravid pleased with Venkatesh Iyer's progress as finisher
India Today
Head coach Rahul Dravid conceded that Venkatesh Iyer is unlikely to bat in the top order as he does for KKR in the IPL but the team management is pleased with the progress he is making at the finisher's role in T20Is.
Head coach Rahul Dravid said India team management challenged Venkatesh Iyer to play the finisher's role in the T20I format and that they are pleased with the all-rounder's progress so far.
Venkatesh Iyer, who made his India debut against New Zealand after the T20 World Cup last year, has been batting at No. 6 in the Indian team. The left-handed batter shone in India's 3-0 sweep of the West Indies, scoring 92 runs in 3 matches, including two match-winning knocks -- 18-ball 33 in the 2nd T20I, 19-ball 35 not out in the 3rd T20I.
Iyer showcased grit and composure as he walked into bat when India were in a spot of bother in both the matches but stitched crucial stands with Suryakumar Yadav, who won the Player of the Series award.
Dravid conceded that Iyer plays the role of an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League but he will be getting opportunities to battle in the middle-order and play the role of a finisher for Team India. The Asian giants have been looking at replacements for Hardik Pandya who is not in contention for senior call-ups as he is spending time on the sidelines due to a recurring back injury.
"I know he plays a different role (opener) for his IPL franchise but we're very clear with what is the kind of role that we see him filling in our situation... Obviously, our top three isn't really a spot, because these guys have established and have been performing very well in the top three," Dravid said after India's 3-0 win over the West Indies.
"So we challenged him, we gave him the role to be able to bat in that position. Every time he's improved, he's gotten better. That's really pleasing."
Iyer has also chipped in as the 6th bowler, giving India an option in the lead up to the T20 World Cup. The inability of Hardik to bowl even when he was available for selection in the recent past had been a concern for India but the World No.1 T20I side has been trying out opinions at that role.
