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India started their T20 World Cup preparations with a bang as they beat West Indies 3-0 in the three-match series. Ever since Rohit Sharma has taken charge as full-time white-ball captain, the team looks different altogether. Every player seems to have clarity about their role. Two of the youngsters who have adapted to their respective roles really quickly are Venkatesh Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav.
While Suryakumar Yadav finished the T20I series with the second-most number of runs, Venkatesh Iyer was right there at the fourth position in the list. The southpaw scored 92 runs in the three games he played. His scores in the three games read 24* (13), 33 (18), and 35* (19). He was also there in the wicket's column. Iyer claimed two important wickets in the last T20I as he removed Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder.
The youngster has slotted in perfectly at the No. 6 batting position and looks all set to finish the games for his team. With the team management's confidence continuously growing in Venkatesh Iyer and Hardik Pandya not actively playing at the moment, Wasim Jaffer believes that the young all-rounder has an edge going into the T20 World Cup.
"I am surprised with how well he has performed as a No. 6 batter. We have seen him as an opener but for him to come out and get adapted so well at No. 6 and finish games is outstanding. Plus, the way he has bowled as well. (He) got a couple of important wickets. He definitely gives an edge going into the (T20) World Cup and I feel he is a real contender now," said Jaffer on ESPNCricinfo.
"I think so. I think at this point in time he is a little bit ahead. We don't know Hardik Pandya, whether he is bowling now, how fit he is. So, at this point in time, obviously how the IPL goes for Hardik will play a key role. But I think Venkatesh Iyer is definitely ahead of Hardik Pandya at this moment," he added when he was asked about whether Iyer is in the scheme of things for the mega event now.