Aakash Chopra believes Venkatesh Iyer’s impressive performances will not impact Hardik Pandya’s career. Hardik is out of the national team after failing to perform in the ICC T20 World Cup.
The all-rounder is still not bowling fit and has not been selected for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Venkatesh, who is being groomed as an all-rounder, recently performed well against West Indies and is expected to play the same role against Sri Lanka.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was asked if Venkatesh Iyer doing well could end Hardik Pandya’s career. “The truth is Hardik is Hardik, and when he comes back, you want to welcome him with open arms. I am not saying that because of Iyer doing well, the doors are getting closed for Pandya.”
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes both Hardik and Venkatesh can play together in the Playing XI. “It is not necessary that only one out of Venkatesh or Hardik can play in the Playing XI. Both can play together. If you have both Hardik and Venkatesh, the former gives you bowling, and the latter gives you one or two overs.”