IND vs NZ | Want to learn whatever I can from Rahul Dravid, says Venkatesh Iyer
After earning his maiden international call-up, Venkatesh Iyer has stated that he is heading into the New Zealand T20I series with a blank mind, and wants to learn whatever he can from head coach Rahul Dravid. Iyer added that Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma have been giving him a lot of confidence.
India will be playing their first T20I of the three-match home series against New Zealand on Wednesday, November 17 in Jaipur. India's newly-appointed T20I captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid will eye a winning start after India's disappointing T20 World Cup 2021 campaign.
Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, and Venkatesh Iyer, who excelled in IPL 2021, earned a maiden call-up to the national team, and will seek a spot in India's playing XI in the first T20I against the Black Caps.
Iyer was highly impressive in Kolkata Knight Riders's run to the final, aggregating 370 runs from 10 matches at an average of 41.11, while registering four half-centuries. He also bagged three wickets with his medium-pace.
Speaking ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand, Iyer stated that he joined the squad with a blank mind and is very keen to learn whatever he can from Dravid.
"I just want to learn whatever I can. Rahul (Dravid) Sir, being the legend that he is, he has lots to share. It's just about how we will go and pick things depending on what's asked of us or what the situation is. I have come with a blank mind and whatever happens, I will take it in that manner," Venkatesh Iyer told BCCI.
The all-rounder further added that Rohit and Dravid were very welcoming and gave him a lot of confidence.
“I spoke with the captain and coach and I had a word with Rishabh as well," Iyer said. "They were very welcoming and gave me a lot of confidence and gave a little pep talk on how to go about things. It feels good when established players are doing good for the country (talk to you). Especially Rohit Sharma, being one of the best batters in the world, if he shares something with me, it is very special. It feels good talking to them."
Of bond with buddy @Avesh_6 👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2021
Warm welcome from @ImRo45, Rahul Dravid & @RishabhPant17 👏
Special request for WWE's The Undertaker 😎 @ivenkyiyer2512 discusses it all with @28anand in this special feature. 👍 #TeamIndia #INDvNZ
Full interview 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/xPiTo2h1NL pic.twitter.com/hFbxv23wy7