I felt I could play World Cup and then I was not there, that really hurt me: Venkatesh Iyer

With the return of Hardik Pandya from injury, Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was quickly removed from India’s scheme of things. After taking the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm in the second half of 2021, the 27-year-old earned his maiden India call-up but the journey wasn’t fruitful at all. In a total of nine T20Is, Iyer scored 133 runs and bowled in just four matches before being dropped.

However, intending to make a comeback, the all-rounder started really well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament for Madhya Pradesh. He was terrific in the first match, scoring 62 runs and picking six wickets for 20 runs. He scored another half-century in the next match and just when he was once again looking to be back to his best, an ankle injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The KKR-opener currently is in Bangalore for his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While speaking to Cricketnext.com, he spoke about his injury and revealed his feelings after missing the World Cup.

“I just tripped off the staircase, and kind of twisted it (ankle). The entire socket came out… (Ankle) was in a bad position but the surgery went well and it should be good. The rehab is going well and step by step I have started to walk again. It should hopefully be fine in a few months,” said Venkatesh Iyer about his injury.

“When I was called into the Indian cricket team, I felt I could play in the World Cup and then I was not there. That really hurt me. I don’t want to put myself in a position to think about something which is really far away from me. If things are to happen, they will happen. The only thing in my hands is to stick to the process, get better every day and leave the rest to god,” the cricketer said when asked about the T20 World Cup.

I really can’t wait for the IPL: Venkatesh Iyer

The Indian Premier League gave him much-needed confidence and eventually recognition. After being ruled out of the domestic season, the 27-year-old has nothing to look forward to other than the IPL. Thus, he remains to be excited at this point, especially now with Chandrakant Pandit being appointed as the new head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.

“Chandu (Chandrakant Pandit) sir is our domestic coach, he has worked on all aspects of our game. Right from aspects of fielding to batting technique. I am extremely happy that someone of his stature, who has dominated domestic cricket for such a long time is finally getting to showcase his skills on the IPL level. I am really excited from that point of view and just like everyone else, I am excited about how he will take charge of KKR. To be honest, I really can’t wait for the IPL,” said Venkatesh Iyer.

The Madhya Pradesh-born cricketer also revealed how he was in touch with certain Indian cricketers and was also told to be ready for an opportunity. 

“I was in touch with a lot of players. I knew what I had to do to get back into the team. May it be batting, bowling or fielding - everything. (Being) better never stops. I was told to be ready. And as I told you, our set-up is so good that if not India, then IPL, if not IPL, then domestic competitions, if not them - then the local leagues. That is never going to end. And I feel very lucky to operate that way,” said the cricketer.

What he did was really amazing: Iyer lauds Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the Indian team completely ruined Venkatesh Iyer’s possible return to India’s scheme of things. However, he understands the situation and lauded Pandya for his brilliant performances so far.

“Who doesn’t want to have a long run with the Indian team? Even though I wanted that, I clearly understood the way Hardik bhai came back. What he did was really amazing. Every team wants to pick the best team for the World Cup. I would have wanted to be there, but again it’s not in my hands. I have always looked at cricket as an opportunity,” Venkatesh Iyer added.