Indian ODI team lost the first match of the ODI series against South Africa by 31 runs and since then a lot of discussions have taken place regarding team India’s middle-order not getting runs and one more topic that was debated a lot was skipper KL Rahul’s decision of not giving Venkatesh Iyer a chance to bowl..
While talking about Rahul’s tactics, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan said that all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer should have been given a chance to bowl in order to “give him confidence.”
Zaheer's words
“The one thing you should learn is how Bavuma used his resources. He didn't use seamers and spinners separately. We didn't see either seamers or spinners operating in tandem for a long time. So, you made the best system out of resources you have," Zaheer was quoted while talking to a news portal.
“When you talk about Venkatesh Iyer.. you should have given him the ball if you want to give him confidence. Don't look at the match situation. If you've planned something.. like you said earlier that you're planning while keeping in mind the World Cup, so you have to show confidence right now. You will have to give him overs. A player only learns from his failures. You can't buy experience in the market,” former Indian pacer added.
No Iyer as bowler
In the first ODI against South Africa, Skipper Rahul did not give Iyer, who was making his ODI debut, a chance to bowl a single over. Rahul’s decision of not using Iyer’s bowling skills created plenty of discussions and many experts and former cricketers were baffled regtading this decision.
Zaheer feels that if Iyer bowls then “he will get better” and he needs to be given a chance to “have options.”
“Suppose Iyer plays 4-5 matches and you don't give him an over.. you can't say later that we have an all-rounder ready in him. Yes, if he bowls, he will get better. I'm not only talking about Iyer in particular, it's about a sixth option in general. You will have to give them chances; only then you will have options. Right now, it feels like you aren't confident enough to back him,” explained Zaheer.
