India vs New Zealand: Venkatesh Iyer receives his India cap from captain Rohit Sharma

Kolkata Knight Riders’ star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer who displayed his fiefdom in the UAE leg of the IPL made his India debut in the first T20I match against New Zealand on Wednesday, November 17. Rohit Sharma who took up the responsibility of being India’s full-time T20I skipper from this series handed over the debut cap to Iyer.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took it to their official Twitter account to share a video of the same. The board also wrote a fitting caption to the video to wish the all-rounder on his special achievement. The all-rounder was rewarded for his performance in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Moreover, he is the pace-bowling all-rounder as well which India are finding with only 11 months to go for next T20 World Cup.

“The grin says it all! A moment to cherish for @ivenkyiyer2512 as he makes his #TeamIndia debut,” the caption of the video read.

The grin says it all! 😊

A moment to cherish for @ivenkyiyer2512 as he makes his #TeamIndia debut. 👏 👏#INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/2cZJWZBrXf

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2021

Venkatesh Iyer had a splendid run in the second leg of the IPL 

KKR had an ordinary tournament in the first half of the IPL 2021. However, the team made sure they brought a shift in their fortunes in the UAE leg of the league. The Eoin Morgan-led side reached the finals of the marquee event and Venkatesh Iyer had a greater role to play in it.

With his attacking game and powerful strokeplay, the all-rounder provided strength to KKR’s top-order batting. Whilst opening the innings for the side, he provided the team with steady starts that helped them to take command of the game.

From 10 games, he smashed 370 runs at an average of 41.11 and a strike-rate rate of 128.47 which included as many as 4 half-centuries. His heroics in the IPL earned him a place in India’s T20I setup against the  Black Caps.

“Everyone who plays cricket aspires to play for the country, so I feel good that I’ve been presented with this opportunity. Feels good to play under Rahul (Dravid) sir, I’m really excited and looking forward to it. As a cricketer, you got to be flexible, and I’ll look to capitalize on the role I’ve been given.

“I’m ready to bat at any position, or bowl whenever I’ve been asked to. It’s wonderful to play in front of the (Indian) crowd, it’s great to have them back,” Iyer said to the broadcasters ahead of the match.