Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer to join India squad as net bowlers for International T20 Cup

Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer Avesh Khan and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer will join the Indian squad for the International T20 Cup as net bowlers. Both players are currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will join team India’s bubble after the completion of the T20 extravaganza.

Avesh Khan and Venkatesh Iyer have enjoyed a great run in the IPL 2021. The former has played a pivotal role in DC’s juggernaut in the tournament. The fast bowler has taken 23 wickets at an excellent average of 18.61 and is the second-highest wickettaker of the tournament. Avesh was also part of the India squad that toured England. He was named as one of the five standby players but his stay in England was cut short by a thumb injury.

Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer has scored 265 runs and bowled a few crucial overs for his team, while picking three wickets as well. His positive intent from the start has helped KKR dictate terms to their oppositions.

Earlier, the BCCI had held back Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer, Umran Malik, in UAE to help the Indian team in practice sessions. Malik had impressed one and all with his sheer pacer, with consistently hitting the 150 KPH mark. Against RCB, he bowled the fastest ball of IPL 2021 so far at 153 KPH.

Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors will take a call on Hardik Pandya’s place in the squad by October 15. The selectors are concerned about Pandya not being fit to bowl. If that’s the case, they may include one of the standby bowlers - Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar in the main squad, while including one between the three net bowlers as a reserve player.