World Cup 2023: The world of cricket is replete with controversies and decisions that sometimes baffle fans and experts alike. The latest furor to rock Indian cricket revolves around two names: Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar. Their actions, or lack thereof, could be derailing a promising player’s career, someone who many believe is capable of making India the world champions.
Ignoring a Potential Competitor to Ben Stokes:
England’s Ben Stokes, often hailed as one of the most dynamic all-rounders in modern cricket, has been a force to be reckoned with. Every team desires to have its version of Stokes, and many believe India found its answer in Venkatesh Iyer. Surprisingly, Iyer, despite his prowess, found himself sidelined for the World Cup 2023 and has been out of the national team for over a year and a half. At the helm of this decision, it seems, is Ajit Agarkar.
World Cup 2023: The Rise of Venkatesh Iyer:
Venkatesh Iyer, a robust 28-year-old all-rounder, became a household name following Hardik Pandya’s injury during the T20 World Cup in 2021. Stepping into big shoes, Iyer not only fit the role but was increasingly seen as a reliable option for the Indian team.
From Being a First Choice to Facing Ignominy:
The tides turned for Iyer with the return of Hardik Pandya. Ajit Agarkar, the Chief Indian selector, seemed to have other plans, overlooking Iyer continuously. For a player who once donned the blue jersey with pride, the future now unfortunately seems to point towards a premature retirement.
Rohit Sharma and The Debut of Iyer:
Rohit Sharma, known for identifying and nurturing young talent, handed Venkatesh Iyer his international debut. Under Sharma’s captaincy, Iyer played until 2022. With Agarkar’s appointment as the chief selector, many anticipated a return for the talented all-rounder. However, the wait turned out to be endless.
Missing from Big Tournaments:
Iyer’s exclusion from significant tournaments like the Asian Games 2023 and the World Cup 2023 has raised eyebrows. In his brief yet impactful career, Iyer has scored 133 runs in 9 T20 matches, picking up 5 wickets. In the ODI format, he has 24 runs from two games. While these numbers might seem modest, his potential is undeniable.
while the decisions of team management and selectors might be based on multiple factors, it’s essential to recognize and nurture talent at the right time. Ignoring promising players like Venkatesh Iyer, who could potentially be India’s answer to all-rounders like Ben Stokes, might be a gamble India could rue in the future. Only time will tell if Iyer gets his due or becomes another tale of what might have been.
Summary
– Ajit Agarkar was recently appointed as the chief selector of the Indian cricket team.
– He has been neglecting a player named Venkatesh Iyer, who has the potential to rival England cricket team’s Ben Stokes.
– Venkatesh Iyer was chosen as the first preference for the Indian team during the T20 World Cup 2021 when Hardik Pandya got injured.
– However, after Hardik Pandya’s return, Venkatesh Iyer is struggling to find a place in the team.
– Ajit Agarkar has been consistently ignoring him, leaving him with no options other than retirement.
– Venkatesh Iyer played his last match for the Indian team in 2022 and has not been selected for the upcoming Asian Cup 2023 or the World Cup 2023.
– In his career, Venkatesh Iyer has scored 133 runs and taken 5 wickets in 9 T20 matches, and has scored 24 runs in 2 ODIs.
