KL hints at opening the innings

Paarl (South Africa), Jan. 18: India skipper K.L. Rahul on Tuesday hinted that all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is likely to be groomed as the additional pace bowling option that the team has lacked ever since Hardik Pandya’s back injury while declaring that he will open alongside veteran Shikhar Dhawan in the first ODI against South Africa here.

Rahul’s media interaction was a clear indication that Ruturaj Gaikwad might have to wait for his turn and the pitch at Boland Park might prompt the team management to play both specialist spinners — Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.

“In the past 12-15 months, I have batted in various positions because that is what the team needed of me then and now with Rohit (Sharma) not being there, I will bat at the top of the order,” the skipper informed ahead of the opening game.

VENKATESH AS SIXTH

BOWLING OPTION

A sixth bowler, preferably seam or pace option, has been India’s major headache for past two and half years due to Pandya’s injury and now the team management is “excited” looking at what Venkatesh brings to the table with his multiple skill-sets. “Yes, fast bowling all-rounders are always an asset and we are always looking for fast bowling all-rounders as they balance the team out. It’s a great opportunity for Venkatesh as he is looking good in the nets.

“We are trying to develop Venkatesh (as the sixth bowling option) and we will give him that chance. He has done decently and he gives us that option as the sixth bowler,” he said.

WANT SHIKHAR TO BE

IN GOOD HEAD SPACE

Shikhar Dhawan currently plays only ODIs and it becomes difficult not to question his place in the side after a few failures but the stand-in captain wants the senior pro to remain in a good head space and play like only he can, by dominating the bowlers.

“He is a senior and experienced player and understands what is expected out of him. He is in a great space and has come out here and having fun, enjoying his cricket

“...and I mean yeah as a captain, it will be about trying to keep him in that space and give him that confidence to go out there and do what he has been doing and just to enjoy his cricket and giving Team India the starts that he has done,” Rahul was all praise for the oldest playing member of the touring party.