SA vs IND: Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions on Venkatesh Iyer not bowling in the first ODI

In the absence of Hardik Pandya who is still on the sidelines due to injury, Venkatesh Iyer has been included in India’s white-ball squad with the profile of an all-rounder. However, despite playing in his debut ODI match, he didn’t send down a single over with the ball. Many of India’s bowlers looked toothless in the game which could’ve been the opportunity to give a few overs to Venkatesh Iyer.

This point became a topic of deliberation on social media. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has also questioned stand-in captain KL Rahul’s decision to not utilize Venkatesh Iyer as a bowler. Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, the cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that Iyer’s role in the team is that of an all-rounder who adds balance. With the way that the specialist bowlers conceded a lot of runs, Iyer should’ve been tried with the ball.

“I’m surprised that KL Rahul didn’t go for the sixth bowling option. Ventakesh Iyer is in the playing 11 not just for his batting, but for his all-round abilities,” said Manjrekar.

He also pointed out that KL Rahul’s inexperience made him go back to Yuzvendra Chahal with the ball despite the spinner proving expensive in his initial spell. “KL Rahul is a young captain, while guys like Yuzvendra Chahal are seasoned campaigners. He wanted to give them a chance to come back stronger. Otherwise, it would have given a confirmation that he has had a bad day. That’s why he might have felt the obligation,” he added.

South African batters Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen played fine knocks and the latter took on the Indian bowlers without a sense of dread. This helped them get to a mammoth total of 296 which eventually proved to be too good to be chased down.

Despite this, Sanjay Manjrekar seemed impressed with Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in what was his first ODI in several years. Making a comeback into India’s white-ball squad, Ashwin seemed to pitch the ball higher up to the opposition batter and Manjrekar reckons Rahul Dravid is utilizing his services well.

“I was delighted to see Ashwin bowl like a proper Test bowler with that flight. Rahul Dravid has gotten Ashwin to do something that we haven’t seen in many years. I am going to be a big supporter of Ashwin in ODIs,” he concluded.