Venkatesh Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder, said he doesn’t pay heed to comparison with Hardik Pandya for all-rounder’s position in the Indian cricket team.

The southpaw has become a regular feature in Indian team in absence of Hardik Pandya, who was dropped from the Indian team as he couldn’t bowl after the back surgery.

Also Read|IPL 2022: SWOT Analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore

Venkatesh is one of four retained players for KKR in IPL 2022. He produced consistent performances for the side during the second phase of the season in the UAE last year. He opened the innings for KKR alongside Shubman Gill and played a pivotal role in their runners-up finish to Chennai Super Kings.

Venkatesh Iyer was rewarded for his outstanding performance in IPL. He was called-up for Team India following the World Cup and has since been a regular member of the T20I squad.

Also Read|IPL 2022: Ravichandran Ashwin ‘hoping to make a difference’ for Rajasthan Royals

Before Venkatesh, Hardik Pandya was India’s main all-rounder, but due to his patchy form and inability to bowl he was ruled of India’s fixtures.

Pandya, who skipped Ranji Trophy matches, will make a return in the Indian Premier League as a captain of Gujarat Titans. He said that his bowling would be a surprise package in the upcoming season.

“As a cricketer, I have huge respect for Hardik bhai for what he has done for India. It is unbelievable. I am a huge admirer of Hardik bhai. These comparisons are very natural, but I pay no heed to them,” Iyer was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Also Read|Ind vs SL, 2nd Test, Predicted XI: Will India break the winning combination?

Asked about his position in the Indian team, Venkatesh Iyer said that he is ready to play in any position or situation for India.

“I am ready for any position and situation. As a professional cricketer, I have always maintained that I need to be very flexible. We have to understand that we are entering a team where there is cut-throat competition and that too for every role and for every player. There are not just a couple of players ready to replace you, there are hundreds in numbers, waiting,” said Iyer.