From Fractured Ankle to Fiery Form: Venkatesh Iyer is on Comeback Trail
2022 was a rollercoaster for Venkatesh Iyer. He debuted in ODIs, showed glimpses of power in T20Is, and felt peak-fit despite a disappointing IPL. Then, disaster struck – a hotel staircase fall left his ankle shattered, derailing his promising T20 run.
Iyer’s recovery was arduous. He returned for a single Ranji Trophy game as a batter in February 2023, followed by another stint in the IPL – still solely focused on batting. Bowling remained out of bounds for five long months.
“I want to contribute in all three aspects,” Iyer declared before the 2023-24 Ranji season. “An injury limits that, leaving me feeling incomplete. But when I can bat, bowl, and field – even if the degree varies – I sleep soundly. That’s what I missed.”
His 2023 IPL comeback was crucial. Pressure mounted after a lackluster previous year, compounded by his inability to bowl and the looming expectation of becoming Hardik Pandya’s middle-order successor.
Two factors proved game-changers: the Impact Player rule (allowing him to be swapped in for batting) and KKR’s appointment of Chandrakant Pandit, his MP coach, as head coach. This rare continuity between domestic and IPL teams provided immense comfort.
Pandit and KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar entrusted Iyer with the crucial No. 3 slot. “It meant multiple roles,” explained Iyer. “Anchor in first innings, go for it from ball one in chases. The plan was clear, and I followed Nayar’s guidance. Even if it didn’t work perfectly, I trusted the rationale behind it, giving me clarity and confidence.”
Iyer’s focus wasn’t solely on runs or wickets. “2022, despite the failures, was my best IPL in terms of discipline,” he asserted. “Despite setbacks, I never missed practice, working with Nayar on batting, bowling, fielding, fitness, and even diet. I gave it my all, but the runs weren’t coming. Nayar identified this disconnect during the 2022 IPL.”
Their bond solidified when Nayar intervened during a wayward net session. “This is not how we’re going to approach…” Iyer recalled. “That’s how it started. We stayed in touch during my injury, and he became my pillar of mental strength.”
“We worked on everything – gym, training, cricket practice, adapting to my limited ankle mobility, facing different conditions… Nayar’s key is communication. He helped me find my rhythm again.”
Venkatesh Iyer is ready for incredible comeback and it tells about his resilient charecter, adaptability, and the power of strong coaching partnerships. He’s back to bowling, contributing in all facets, and his fiery form is a reminder that even after a fall, the climb back can be just as exhilarating.
