India vs New Zealand: Ready to be flexible and bat wherever team wants me to – Venkatesh Iyer – India Today

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: Venkatesh Iyer hit a quickfire 20 while batting at No. 6 and picked up a wicket in his 3-over spell in India's 73-run win at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Venkatesh Iyer ready to be flexible with batting position for India (AP Photo)

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer said he wants to continue to be flexible with his batting position for Team India after chipping in with crucial contributions in his debut series -- a 3-0 win over New Zealand at home. Venkatesh Iyer shone with a quickfire 20 on Sunday while batting at No. 6 as India registered their biggest-ever win in terms of runs (73) against New Zealand in the 3rd and final T20I in Kolkata.

Venkatesh Iyer joined Shreyas Iyer at a crucial juncture as India had lost quick wickets, including that of a well-set Rohit Sharma, but he played with positive intent, hitting a six and a boundary in the middle-overs. Venkatesh Iyer batted at No. 6 in a crucial run-chase in the first T20I and got a boundary when the team needed 10 runs in an over. He batted at No. 3 in the 2nd T20I and remained unbeaten on 12.

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: Report | Highlights

Iyer, who made his mark after a stunning season with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, played as an opener for his franchise, hitting 370 runs at 10 matches. Iyer, who began as a middle-order batsman in domestic cricket, has been donning the role of an opener for Maharashtra.

Speaking after an all-round effort on Sunday, Iyer said: "I have always maintained that as a professional cricketer, you got to be really flexible as to where you want to bat.

"There might be occasions where even though you are going to play in the middle-order, you might get to bat within the powerplay. That's something I have really worked on - adapting to whatever situation I am going to play. I am going to look to better that," he added.

Venkatesh Iyer did not get an opportunity to bowl in the first two T20Is but on Sunday, captain Rohit Sharma entrusted him with the role of being the 6th bowler. The 26-year-old did well, picking up a wicket and conceding just 12 runs in 3 overs.

"That's what I am in the team for - batting and bowling. It was good to get a bowl finally. Everyone aspires to play for the country. If the team wins and that too comprehensively, it's a special feeling. I hope that this continues for a prolonged period of time," Iyer added.

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India vs New Zealand: Ready to be flexible and bat wherever team wants me to - Venkatesh Iyer - India Today