‘I take things as they come, the plans are set’ – Venkatesh Iyer on performing all-round duties in South Africa ODIs

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has set his goals clear for India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting Monday, January 19 at the Boland Park in Paarl. Back in November, Iyer got his maiden India cap after he performed exceptionally for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the UAE leg of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Although he scored only 36 runs and picked up one wicket in the three T20Is against New Zealand, he stayed in contention for India’s further international assignments. The batting all-rounder has now been rewarded with a call-up for the white-ball series against the Proteas. Iyer said that he wishes to stay relaxed and not get much fussed about the future.

I still take it one day at a time, says Venkatesh Iyer

“I take things as they come. I take it one day at a time. Of course, I have in mind how to go about things there, to have the preps in place for the bouncy tracks and my role as a bowler, as a fielder, as a batter. Everything has worked out, but I still take it one day at a time,” Iyer was quoted as saying to journalist Boria Majumdar on the Revsportz YouTube channel.

“Right now, my focus is on how to prepare for tomorrow, as in the next practice session and then the next practice session, as soon as I reach South Africa, how to practice there. That is on my mind and not just how I am going to apply myself on the pitch. Of course, the plans are set but I am not too forward-looking for that matter,” he stated.

Iyer was stupendous in the UAE while playing for the Men in Gold and Purple, led by Eoin Morgan. The Knights didn’t have the best of outings in India as they were precariously placed in the bottom half of the points table.

However, Iyer’s introduction at the top of the order changed the dynamics of the team. KKR finished as the runners-up and Iyer ended up scoring 370 runs from 10 matches at an average of 41.11 and picked up three wickets with an economy rate of 8.12.