I am inspired by Ben Stokes, want to contribute to team India across formats like him: Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer became a name for all to praise just after his maiden season of IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2021. The fast-bowling all-rounder made big names of cricket fraternity talking by displaying some brilliant action while opening the order alongside Shubman Gill. His terrific show helped KKR to kick off a great start throughout the tournament.

Adding to his classic shots and batting show, Iyer impressed all with his bowling too by picking some crucial wickets in IPL 2021. In the latest turn of events, he got rewarded very well by the BCCI as he received his maiden call up for India for the New Zealand T20Is.

Opening up in a recent chat, the MP cricketer talked about his idol in the game and picked England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes for the same spot. Iyer stated that Stokes is a match-winner in every format and even he wishes to be like him by contributing to India across formats.

Stokes is a match-winner in every format: Venkatesh Iyer

“What Ben Stokes does for England or any other team he plays for, that is quite inspiring. He is a match-winner in every format. He contributes in all three departments equally and he’s such a big asset for the team,” said Iyer to Sports Yaari.

“Watching him play I feel like this is something that I really want to become. Contribute in every format and in every position, take wickets with the ball, and become a safe slip fielder like Stokes. Which team wouldn’t want a player like Stokes. I am inspired by Ben Stokes,” he added.

Talking about Iyer, he racked up 370 runs in 10 games he played for KKR in IPL 2021 while averaging 41.11 and striking at 128.47. Fast bowling all-rounder has always been India’s search and it is being felt more after Hardik Pandya’s dip in the recent times.

It remains to be seen if Iyer will be able to flaunt a fine show in the upcoming T20Is if given a chance in the XI. The T20Is will kick off from November 17 and will take place in Jaipur, Ranchi, and Kolkata.