Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer has opened up on the all-rounder’s debate in the current Indian squad. Currently, many fans and critics are split between Venkatesh Iyer and Hardik Pandya with respect to the pace-bowling all-rounder’s position.
The Indian team needs a pace-bowling option who can also bat as a finisher and give some much-needed balance to the team. While Hardik Pandya performed that role well over the last few years, Venkatesh Iyer has replaced him now.
As per reports, Hardik has made himself unavailable for selection because he is working on his fitness. The all-rounder has not played a single match since the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, and it seems he will make his comeback in IPL 2022 as the Gujarat Titans skipper.
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said that Iyer is ahead of Pandya in the race right now and also explained the reason behind it.
Venkatesh Iyer is a little bit ahead because you don’t know Hardik Pandya whether he’s bowling now: Wasim Jaffer
As mentioned ahead, during a chat on ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer gave his opinion on the all-rounders’ debate and said:
“At this point of time, I feel he’s 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 Pandya will play a very key role, but at this point of time, Venkatesh Iyer is ahead of Hardik Pandya.”
Like Wasim Jaffer pointed out, the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League will play a main role in deciding who is ahead in the race. Right now, Venkatesh is giving the much-needed balance to the squad with his all-round skills.
Venkatesh played as an opener in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League, but he has played as a finisher for the Indian cricket team so far. He has done well, and was very impressive in the T20I series against the West Indies cricket team.
