Venkatesh Iyer makes his ODI debut for India

The batting all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, Venkatesh Iyer has made his One-Day International (ODI) debut for the men in blue as India take on South Africa in the first ODI at Boland Park, Paarl. The all-rounder made his maiden international appearance in November in a T20I against New Zealand and received his first ODI call-up for the South Africa series. Iyer received his ODI cap from former captain Virat Kohli.

This is the time India has return to ODIs for the first time since late July last year. KL Rahul is leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who misses out due to fitness issues.

Iyer has been given the number six spot in the playing eleven and the team looks to nurture this all-rounder as a replacement to Hardik Pandya. Iyer can render services as a right arm medium-pacer with the ball. 

The left-handed batter made the headlines during the second leg of IPL 2021 in the UAE. Iyer literally changed the fortunes for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who came from behind to return as the runner-ups in the 14th edition of the tournament. Venkatesh Iyer makes his ODI debut for India