'He should only be considered for T20Is, lacks maturity for longer formats' - Gautam Gambhir on Venkatesh Iyer playing ODIs for India

Gautam Gambhir is known for speaking his heart out as he never shies away from expressing his thoughts. Thus, he recently went on to criticize the selection of Venkatesh Iyer in the ODI team. The cricketer-turned-politician had some harsh words for him.

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After spectacular performances in the second half of the Indian T20 league in 2021, Iyer was selected to play for India in the limited-overs sides. Thus, the all-rounder went on to make his 50-over debut in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against South Africa. As a matter of fact, he has been touted to fill Hardik Pandya's boots too.

However, Gambhir was seemingly not in favour of him playing one-day cricket at the moment. While speaking to Star Sports after the completion of the third ODI, the 40-year-old stated that the batting all-rounder lacks maturity. He felt that Iyer should be considered only for the shortest format of the game as of now.

ODI is a completely different ball game: Gautam Gambhir

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“I feel he should only be considered for T20 cricket. Because he doesn't have that level of maturity yet. He has been given an opportunity to play international level after watching him in only 7-8 IPL matches. If you are going by IPL performances, then play him in T20 cricket. ODI is a completely different ball game and a completely different beast,” said Gautam Gambhir. Further on, he stated that the KKR all-rounder should be asked to bat in the middle-order by the Knights if he is to be considered in one-day cricket.

“Iyer had opened in IPL, now he is playing in the middle order. Send him back. If you are considering him for ODI cricket then tell his IPL franchise to play him in the middle order. But I feel he should be kept for T20s only, that too only as an opener, if he plays at that position in IPL.” he added.

It is to be noted that Iyer played two one-day games and failed to make a mark in both of them. Thus, he was subsequently dropped for the final ODI in Cape Town. Nevertheless, as India will now play a limited-overs series against the West Indies in February, it is to be seen if the 27-year-old gets an opportunity.