IPL 2022: Venkatesh Iyer opens up on comparison with Hardik Pandya

As Kolkata Knight Riders are set to begin their IPL 2022 campaign, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is ready to guide his team to IPL glory this time around.

Venkatesh took the UAE leg of IPL 2021 by storm with his superb power-hitting skills at the top of the order which helped him land a place in Team India. Iyer is currently ahead of Hardik Pandya in the pecking order for the all-rounder's spot in Team India.

Also read: Here's why Ravi Shastri feels Hardik Pandya won't fit in Team India's T20 World Cup as a pure batter

However, Venkatesh doesn't want to think too far and said that he is a huge admirer of Hardik.

"As a cricketer, I have huge respect for Hardik Bhai for what he has done for India. These comparisons are very natural but I pay no heed to them," the all-rounder said in a conversation with the Times of India.

Venkatesh would look to build on his previous season's form and put yet another super show for KKR this year. He amassed 370 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.11 during IPL 2021, along with three wickets. KKR retained him for Rs 8 crore ahead of IPL 2022 Mega Auctions.