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Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian Cricket Team will be aiming to bounce back with full spirit in the 2nd ODI match against South Africa after it's lackluster defeat in the 1st ODI match in Paarl. Current Team India's ODI captain KL Rahul had left many questions to answer, biggest one being Iyer wasn't given any overs to bowl.

Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan, citing Andile Phehlukwayo's spell during the middle overs of the Indian innings, said that Iyer should be utilised in a similar manner. Phehlukwayo bowled five overs, picking two important wickets Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin.

"Venkatesh Iyer should bowl. We saw what Phehlukwayo did with the keeper up. Maybe he can offer that sort of variation. If he’s playing, and is untested with the ball as such, he must be given the full opportunity (to prove himself)," Cullinan said.

After Team India's defeat, the decision for not giving Venkatesh Iyer a chance to bowl in the innings raised many questions by former Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Aakash Chopra, who wondered whether the team management sees Iyer as an all-rounder.

"You could've given him 5-6 overs and see how he is bowling, because you're looking at him as an all-rounder,” Gambhir noted during his on-air stint. In reply, Chopra said, “I don't know, it seems only you and I are looking at him that way.”

"Because when the T20Is were there (against New Zealand), Rohit Sharma was the captain. It was a home series against New Zealand and you didn't hand him the ball in the first two matches. We kept on waiting. That happened when others were conceding 10 runs per over,” said the former India opener.