Venkatesh Iyer is a little bit ahead of Hardik Pandya for T20 World Cup 2022 consideration: Wasim Jaffer

India would be hoping to showcase a better performance in this year’s ICC T20 World Cup down under after a forgettable outing in the 2021 edition, where they failed to qualify for the semis for the first time after 2012. The selectors would be keeping an eye on the consistent performers to finalize the squad leading up to the showpiece event in October as they look to end their nine-year ICC title drought.

Meanwhile, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has come forward and suggested an all-rounder who can be included for the T20 World Cup ahead of Hardik Pandya.  After his lower-back surgery in 2019, Pandya has been unable to make an impact with his medium-pace bowling and has only featured in the team as a middle-order batter. The player according to the former Test batter is the Indian team’s new member Venkatesh Iyer.

He definitely gives  India an edge: Wasim Jaffer

“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,” said Jaffer as quoted by 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,” he added.

The batting all-rounder scored 92 runs from three matches in the recently-concluded T20I series against the West Indies. While he remained unbeaten on 24 in the first game while chasing, the Madhya Pradesh cricketer not only scored 33 and 35 in the next two games but was also involved in match-winning partnerships in the middle-order as India registered a series whitewash against the two-time T20 World Cup champions. Iyer will next be seen in action during the upcoming three-match home T20I series against Sri Lanka starting February 24.