Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum said Venkatesh Iyer is working hard in the nets to make a strong comeback into the squad for the remainder of the matches in IPL 2022. McCulum said it was frustrating for both KKR and Iyer himself as they had to search for other options in place of the India all-rounder, who had a dream run with the 2-time champions last year.

Venkatesh Iyer was dropped after KKR’s defeat to Delhi Capitals on April 28 due to poor form. The Maharashtra all-rounder who caught the attention of the world with a stunning run in the 2nd half of IPL 2021 in the UAE with 370 runs in just 10 matches, has struggled this season. The left-hander has scored just 132 runs in 9 matches and bowled only 3 overs for the side.

IPL 2022: Full Coverage

It was disappointing to see Venkatesh Iyer struggle for form after having made his India debut last year. The Maharashtra cricketer played 9 T20Is and 2 ODIs for India after he was picked based on IPL 2021 form and domestic cricket ability.

However, as McCullum pointed out, the 2nd season syndrome seems to have hit Venkatesh who has been struggling to put bat to ball for KKR in IPL 2022.

“Yeah, obviously, he did not get as many runs as he would have liked to, Venkatesh. We were sort of forced into a situation where we had to look for other options. That’s obviously disappointing for someone who has represented India in the last 7-8 months on the back of what was a very good IPL last time in the UAE.

“That’s a little bit of frustrating for him as well. He is working hard at the nets, trying to get his form back. That will certainly be a consideration. He is certainly not out of contention for the games to come,” McCullum told the press after KKR were hammered by Lucknow Super Giants by 75 runs on May 7.

SECOND SEASON SYNDROME?

Furthermore, McCullum said Venkatesh, who did not feature in KKR’s defeat on Saturday, has a great opportunity to take his game to the next level and put in consistent performances from hereon.

“It’s Venky’s second year. Teams do a little bit more homework, it’s been historically the case in this tournament even in international cricket.

“It’s an opportunity for Venkatesh to work on his game and improve, to come back stronger. He is a real talent, has got a good head on his shoulders. I know he is determined to take that next step and start to perform more regularly,” McCullum added.

When asked about the inconsistency in opening combination for KKR in IPL 2022, McCullum said it’s frustrating to keep changing personnel at the top but stressed that all his players have been putting in the hard yards in training.

GOOD QUESTION

KKR began the season with Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer at the top and have had more than 3 opening pairs so far. On Saturday, they opened with wicketkeeper Baba Indrajith and Aaron Finch but both of them failed to get going against a sensational Lucknow pace attack.

“It’s a very good question (laughs). One that we are searching for a few answers as well. If you look around other teams at the top of the table, one of their opening batters is also one of their highest run-scorers. So, it’s an area we haven’t been able to settle. Unfortunately, some of the guys haven’t been in the form that they would have liked to.

“We are just searching for a little bit of form.

“That happens, sometimes. In a quick tournament, you do have to sometimes change personnel. It’s been a little frustrating. But the guys have been working really hard, it hasn’t necessarily worked out for us but can’t fault their effort,” McCullum added.

KKR’s playoffs hopes took a huge hit after their failure to get even close to a 176-run target. The 2-time champions are on the brink of elimination after having managed just 4 wins in their first 11 matches.