Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal reckons Venkatesh Iyer will not be too successful if he keeps batting at number five or six for the Indian team. Iyer played in the first two ODIs against South Africa but could not make a mark as he batted at number six and he could not add the finishing touches for the team.

Furthermore, Iyer was not given the ball in the first ODI and bowled only a couple of overs in the second game. Lal added that Iyer is not effective with the ball as he hasn’t worked a lot on his bowling.

The former Indian all-rounder feels Iyer could make an impact in the team only when he opens the innings. The southpaw had hogged the limelight in IPL 2021 as he scored 370 runs in 10 matches for KKR and played a key role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament.

Moreover, the left-hander continued his rich form while playing for Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare trophy. He amassed 379 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 63.16 and a blistering strike rate of 133.92.

“If batting at No. 5 or 6, I don’t think he will be too successful. I saw his bowling too. Even that wasn’t impressive. I think he can only bowl 2-3 overs at maximum. He hasn’t even worked on his bowling. If you think that he can fit into the team is an all-rounder then it is very difficult to him. The only position you can try him at is the opening position,” Lal, a former India coach, said on Aaj Tak.

Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer hasn’t been included in the ODI squad for the series against West Indies however he has made the cut into the T20I squad.

Iyer is getting his chances in the Indian team in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, who both are recuperating from their respective injuries, but it could be difficult for him to retain his place if these two players come back in the squad.

The first ODI between India and West Indies will be played in Ahmedabad on the 6th of February.