Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum has backed Venkatesh Iyer to come back good once more and insisted that the all-rounder, who has had an atypical IPL 2022 season, remains to be in competition to win a spot within the enjoying XI.

Venkatesh was one of many largest contributors to the Knight Riders’ unbelievable run to the IPL closing final 12 months. Though Iyer performed solely 10 of their 17 matches, he completed as their fourth-highest run-getter with a tally of 370.

Based on his efficiency he was retained by the KKR forward of the mega public sale however this season he has didn’t ship with each bat and ball. After scoring simply 109 runs in seven innings as opener, Knight Riders moved him all the way down to the center order but it surely didn’t work both. With only one rating above 20 and a half-century in opposition to Mumbai Indians – he finally needed to make approach for others within the enjoying XI.

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“He didn’t get as many runs as he would have appreciated and we have been compelled to take a look at another (opening) choices, which is disappointing for somebody who has represented India within the final seven-eight months on the again of what was an excellent IPL final time within the UAE,” McCullum said after Knight Riders’ seventh loss on Saturday and the result pushed two time champions to the brink of elimination.

“It is frustrating for him and he is working hard in the nets and trying to get his spot back and that’ll certainly be a consideration. In a short tournament, you’ve got to be prepared to use some other guys in the squad and that’s what we had to unfortunately do with Venkatesh but he’s certainly not out of the reckoning in the games to come. He is a real talent and has a good head on his shoulders. I know he is determined to take that next step and start to perform more regularly,” he added.

Asked whether or not the all-rounder could also be affected by the second-season syndrome, the KKR head coach agreed.

“As nicely with Venky’s second 12 months, groups do a bit extra scouting and homework as has traditionally been the case on this event in addition to in worldwide cricket,” he said.

Notably, Venkatesh’s bowling has also not come to his aid, having bowled all of three overs at an economy over 12 but McCullum feels that down to his not getting too many chances.

“Unfortunately, Venky and (Nitish) Rana, who we’ve underutilised a little bit, they haven’t had enough opportunity to bowl and have just missed the execution (in the chances they have got). That can affect one’s confidence when they are not able to get into a game and settle into a game,” the coach mentioned.

KKR will face Mumbai Indians of their subsequent IPL 2022 match on the DY Patil Stadium on Monday and it will likely be fascinating to see whether or not Venkatesh will get an opportunity or not.

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