IPL 2022: Frustrating for him, he is working hard in the nets – Brendon McCullum backs Venkatesh Iyer

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum has put his weight behind under fire Venkatesh Iyer to come good in the upcoming matches. McCullum stated it is frustrating for the left-hander but he is working hard in the net sessions. Iyer had done a fine job in the previous season as he had scored 371 runs in 10 matches and he had played a key role in helping his team qualify for the final.

However, Iyer could not repeat the same renditions in IPL 2022 as he has scored 132 runs in nine matches at an average of 16.50 and a strike rate of 97.77. Thus, he hasn’t been at his best for KKR and he was dropped for the matches against Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants.

Iyer has been dropped from the last two matches as KKR have opened the innings with Baba Indrajit and Aaron Finch. Furthermore, Iyer’s position has also been changed on multiple occasions in the batting order and he hasn’t been able to deliver the goods.

Brendon McCullum said while talking in the post-match presser, “He didn’t get as many runs as he would have liked and we were forced to look at some other (opening) options, which is disappointing for someone who has represented India in the last seven-eight months on the back of what was a very good IPL last time in the UAE.”

“It is frustrating for him and he is working hard in the nets and trying to get his spot back and that’ll certainly be a consideration. In a short tournament, you’ve got to be prepared to use some other guys in the squad and that’s what we had to unfortunately do with Venkatesh but he’s certainly not out of the reckoning in the games to come. He is a real talent and has a good head on his shoulders. I know he is determined to take that next step and start to perform more regularly.”

Meanwhile, it has been noticed that it is not easy for players to perform in their second season of the IPL as the other teams do their homework against them. Iyer had done well in his maiden season but he has failed to get going in the second season.

“As well with Venky’s second year, teams do a bit more scouting and homework as has historically been the case in this tournament as well as in international cricket.”

The Shreyas Iyer-led team will next face Mumbai Indians at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Monday.