The move to promote Venkatesh Iyer to No.3 proves India are already thinking about the next T20 World Cup: Zaheer Khan

Rookie Venkatesh Iyer was promoted to the No.3 slot in the second T20I match between India and New Zealand. Iyer scored 12* off 11 deliveries with the willow. And, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has lauded India’s decision to promote Iyer to the No.3 slot.

Khan opined that this move proves that the ‘Men in Blue’ are already thinking about the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2022, and said that it was a proactive move taken by the Indian team management keeping the future in mind.

“The move to promote Venkatesh Iyer to No.3 when the opportunity arose proves that India are already thinking about the next T20 World Cup. Had they not done something like that, then you could have said that they missed an opportunity. It was definitely a proactive move by the management keeping the future in mind,” said Zaheer Khan in a chat with Cricbuzz.

India need to sort out their middle-order: Pragyan Ojha

Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said that the Indian side needs to sort out its middle order as this is the factor that is hurting the Indian side in major ICC tournaments. Ojha also feels that the Indian top-order, as well as the bowling attack, is in excellent shape.

“We need to sort out our middle order. That is what is hurting us in ICC tournaments. If we get that in place, rest all seems fine. Our top-order batting and bowling are excellent. But this is one box we still need to tick,” said Ojha.

Ojha also added that the Indian middle order failed to step up in the first two World Cup matches after Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were dismissed for low scores. Ojha feels that this poor effort from the middle order cost India a place in the semi-finals of the multi-nation tournament.

“India’s middle order failed to deliver after Rohit and Rahul perished cheaply in the first two games of the T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively. The below-par efforts ended up costing India a place in the semis,” concluded Ojha.