Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya for T20 World Cup 2022 consideration: Wasim Jaffer makes BIG statement

Venkatesh Iyer played a crucial unbeaten knock of 35 off 19 balls in the third and final T20I against West Indies at the Eden Gardens. The 27-year-old finished the series as the fourth-highest run-getter with 92 runs from three matches and took two wickets as well.

After seeing Venkatesh Iyer's all-round show in the just-concluded T20I series against West Indies, former India opener Wasim Jaffer said that the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) all-rounder is ahead of Hardik Pandya for the T20 World Cup consideration at this moment.

Iyer played a crucial unbeaten knock of 35 off 19 balls in the third and final T20I against West Indies at the Eden Gardens. The 27-year-old finished the series as the fourth-highest run-getter with 92 runs from three matches and took two wickets as well.

"After this series, I feel Iyer is a little bit ahead because you don't know Hardik Pandya whether he's bowling now or how fit he is. Obviously how the IPL goes for Hardik Panya will play a very key role but at this point of time, Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya," Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.

"I am surprised with how good he's playing as a No. 6 batter. We have seen him as an opener but for him to come out and get adapted so well at No. 6 and finish games is outstanding. Plus, the way he's bowled as well, got a couple of important wickets. He definitely gives [India] an edge going into the World Cup," Jaffer said.

Suryakumar Yadav in this series 34*(18) 8(6) 65(31)