BENGALURU: BEHIND QUIET, EXTERIOR OF Venkatesh Iyer A cricketer is clear in thinking, confident in his skills and unwavering in his team first approach.Over five seasons, Iyer featured in 62 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the mini-auction for Rs 7 crore, down from his previous price of Rs 16.75 crore, before being released. This move has also brought about a change in character. A regular at KKR, the all-rounder featured in just one game in RCB’s first six matches of the season, spending most of his time on the sidelines.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Although it is an unfamiliar situation, Iyer has taken it in his stride.“It definitely plays on the mind. I’m not used to sitting out, but that’s okay. It’s a professional game. As someone who puts the team above everything else, it’s my duty to abide by the atmosphere,” Iyer said during a media interaction here on Wednesday.He attributes his limited opportunities to a fixed combination: “We are the defending champions. So tinkering with a combination that won you the championship is not always the best move. So as a team joiner, it is my duty to first understand the team dynamics and what role I can play in South Papa.”According to Iyer, the clarity provided by the coaching staff has made the transition easier.Credit must go to Mo. [Bobat]Andy [Flower]and DK [Dinesh Karthik]. When it comes to communication, my role in the team has been amazing. They have given me a complete explanation. And sitting out doesn’t mean I’m not part of their plans. It’s definitely a matter of when rather than,” said the 31-year-old.However, being mentally prepared is the real challenge.“It’s tough, to be honest. It’s something you can’t prepare for. But I am a practical man, I know how things work. When I look at the team, I know there’s a realistic chance I could be benched. It is extremely important to stay active, as you can easily get frustrated. You can easily lose your work ethic,” he said.“I train my mind like I’m going to play every game,” Iyer added.KKR ConnectKKR let him go, Iyer admits to the injury, but team dynamics, he believes, were the reason.“I felt bad, but Abhishek Nair (then KKR coach) and I had a wonderful conversation. He wanted to release me and told me what the team needed, and if it’s good for the team, you can make me do anything,” Iyer said.Red Ball Romantic Amid the glow of IPLone item Iyer makes sure is always a red ball in his kit bag. The medium pacer bowled over 220 overs in 34 first-class matches and took 20 wickets, but believes the longer format has more to offer.Iyer, who was not part of the Madhya Pradesh team when they won last time. Ranji Trophy Looking to improve his red ball skills, in the 2021-22 season.“One thing that I really feel I haven’t used, and I have the potential to do, is my red ball. I believe I can contribute in a big way with my red ball. So I make it a point, in whatever team I go, I try to identify someone who has played a lot of red ball cricket. This year, I have Josh Hazlewood. My discussions with him are about how I can improve my red-ball bowling.“With the impact player rule limiting his bowling opportunities in the IPL, Iyer has come to terms with his role.“I know I won’t bowl four overs,” he admitted.But it’s the red cherry he wants to prove himself with, and that desire is intertwined with the team’s dream.“I have discussed with Hazlewood how to improve my red-ball bowling because I want to go back home and win the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh once again. I know I can do it with the ball in hand. That’s why I come every year. [for the IPL]I have a red ball in my kit bag. I mention that I take two sessions of fast bowling with the Test legend.”For now, Iyer continues to wait, watch and work for his chance.
