Xtra Time Web Desk: Is time running out for Kolkata Knight Riders’ Venkatesh Iyer? The all rounder finds himself dropped from the playing XI for his team’s IPL 2022 game against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede stadium. Venkatesh has not got going at all this season, as he has scored only 132 runs and has not picked up a single wicket so far. Venkatesh was replaced by Jharkhand left arm spinner Anukul Roy.
Venkatesh Iyer’s last five performances in ongoing IPL reflects he is not in a good frame of mind.
vs DC – 6, 0/14
vs GT – 17
vs RR – 6
vs SRH – 6
vs DC – 18, 0/14
The 27-year-old cricketer from Madhya Pradesh was retained by the Knight Riders for INR 8 crores, but it seemed the decision has backfired for the franchise. He has scored only one half-century this season against Mumbai Indians.
KKR management also had a role in Venkatesh’s poor run of form. Instead of backing Venkatesh at the opener slot, where he did well last season, he was pushed in the middle order after a few failures. That did not do his confidence any good.
Take the example of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Chennai Super Kings continuously backed him despite his poor run of form. The batter from Maharashtra finally came good as he scored 99 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad at MCA stadium on Sunday.
With Hardik Pandya performing consistently for Gujarat Titans, time is running out for Venkatesh Iyer to keep his place in Indian team.