Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer who has a topsy-turvy Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season but still got the nod was the upcoming T20I series vs South Africa. In an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, the all-rounder said that the current squad of Indian players are capable of winning the ICC T20 World Cup, coming to Australia in October.
Iyer expressed his thoughts on cementing his position in the squad and having Hardik Pandya and Dinest Karthik in the team, among other things.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Clear communication, roles defined for the World Cup
Since the last T20 world cup, we are getting ready for a larger goal which is the next T20 world cup, and for each ball, we play we keep the T20 world cup in mind. It's really important that you know what big is coming up and you should know how you are going to help the team to seal the victory because this Indian team should definitely win the T20 world cup. This team is one of the best cricketing in the world and each effort is only for the World Cup.
As far as records are concerned I don't (play individually), we play for records (as a team) South Africa is a formidable side, we will try and execute our plans. Whenever I will get the opportunity I will try and deliver my best so that team can win... I know what my role in the team is and I am preparing myself accordingly. The best part of this Indian team is that there are superb communication players who know well about their roles so I know about my role and I am preparing myself for all challenges.
Having Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik alongside him
Multi-utility players are good for the team management and team and if it's good for the team then it's good for Hardik Bhai Dinesh Bhai and me. Ultimately, we all want India to win the world cup so for that whatever will be the best combination will play. If India wins we all will be happy so I always try to do my best for the team when there is an opportunity even if I don't get a chance then also I try to give my efforts and I don't think to have to think about my competition and position. It's a privilege to play for India and I enjoy that moment.
Preparation for the T20 world cup
We have already started our planning for the T20 world cup. Our plans are intact before going to Australia maximum amount of cricket we play to identify the best combination, see what everybody expects from this Indian team, and will try and fulfill those expectations. It's not like we don't play good cricket in the last world cup, we played good cricket but the result wasn't in our favour. This time also will try to play our best cricket. There is huge pressure on the Indian team to win. What we will do is showcase the best performance by 11 men and hope that this will bring the World Cup home this time
On Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid
Both Rohit (Sharma) Bhai and Rahul (Dravid) sir have created a really good atmosphere in the dressing room. We have really good bonding and the best part is communication with the player which is really good each and everyone is informed well about their role. It's absolutely crystal clear.
On Virat Kohli's recent performance
What Virat (Kohli) has achieved in world cricket I haven't so commenting on him would not be good but yes there is no doubt that he is the world's best batter. His commitment to the game and his energy level are always the same. Players like Virat know well what to do and he will do their best to win India the World Cup.
His take on his individual performance in IPL 2022
Whether the season went bad or good it is decided how the team has performed. Last year we were runners-up, so we can say that we had a good season. I never see it as an individual performance because this is a team game but again this season was not mine or the team's because we couldn't qualify for the playoffs, but at the same time I will not say that I have any regrets, but yes there is the disappointment. I gave my 100 percent, results are not in my mind be it the good or bad. The only thing in my hands is my efforts and I will keep doing the best that I can. I gave my 100 percent and I am happy with it.
His take on what happened with KKR in IPL 2022
We played really good cricket this season but in some matches, we lost with a minimal difference. If we won more matches we could have qualified for the playoffs. If I talk about my performance I could not give a good start to the team. If I could have given a good start then the middle order would have flourished. Overall, we played good cricket but at some point time we missed and we were not lucky and we missed the opportunities... We were always in a good shape and morale but we lost a couple of matches continuously. But we were in the mind-frame that we can do it.,
His view on IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans
In IPL, all teams have strong world-class players who participate. What I feel is Gujarat played the most consistent cricket which rewarded them with the title. Each player tried and fulfilled the role assigned to them Hardik Bhai showed superb captaincy skill and all-around display.
