India Vs South Africa 2nd ODI: Will Suryakumar Yadav Replace Venkatesh Iyer

India suffered a humiliating loss against South Africa in their first ODI in Paarl. Though all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer made his ODI debut in the game, he had a disappointing show in the match.

Skipper KL Rahul had stated that Venkatesh will be used as the sixth bowling option for the team. However, he didn’t get a single over in the match. He also failed to impress with the bat while playing in the crucial middle order as a finisher. Due to his poor show, fans have been calling to replace him with flamboyant Suryakumar Yadav.

However, many experts of the game feel that the team management should stick to the 27-year old all-rounder for some time.

 “When you play your first match for any team, it’s important to be there for sometime at least. Its’ not wise to make 2-3 wholesale changes in every match like dropping Iyer for failing to impress in his first match itself. It should not be done like that. He should be given adequate chances to play,” said former Indian opener Aakash Chopra.

 

The former cricketer also backed Shreyas Iyer who came under criticism for his poor batting in the first ODI. However, Chopra expressed his concern about both Shreyas and Venkatesh who showcased their weaknesses against bouncers, which could come back to haunt them soon.

“The Proteas are going to use the bouncer trap against Shreyas Iyer more and more. Even the other Iyer (Venkatesh) was found to be uncomfortable against bouncers. So, fans are going to see both Iyers receive bouncers by the hosts,” said Chopra.

Notably, the second ODI is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday.