Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star batter Venkatesh Iyer played a pivotal role in his team’s convincing seven-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024. His aggressive knock of 50 runs off 30 balls powered KKR’s chase of 183, but it was overshadowed by a brief moment of concern earlier in the match.
Powerful Partnership sets stage for RCB
KKR’s win was built on a solid foundation laid by openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. Their blistering partnership of 86 runs from just 6.3 overs set the tone for the chase. Venkatesh Iyer then took over the mantle, carrying forward the momentum with a counter-attacking half-century.
Close Call for Venkatesh Iyer
During the match, Venkatesh Iyer had a scare after being forced to duck a quick delivery. Given his height (6 feet 3 inches), diving can be a challenge, and he felt a slight pinch. However, he assured everyone in the post-match presser that it was nothing serious.
On his injury scare, Venkatesh Iyer in the post-match press conference said: “No nothing major it’s just the very quick delivery that I had to duck and I am 6’3 to duck is a task. It’s just some pinch I felt. But thanks to our physio teamm I feel good right now. Next couple of days good rest and I will be fine.“
Reading the Pitch for Success
Venkatesh Iyer also commented on the pitch conditions, which he described as improving as the game progressed.
Iyer on pitch conditions said:
“Pitch became better as the game progressed. There was one end that was still tricky, the far end was tricky one. The ball was slightly two paced, double bounce but one end was certainly better and that’s what communication was to target the bowlers from that end.”
With his injury scare a distant memory and his match-winning knock under his belt, Venkatesh Iyer looks set to continue his impressive form for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Editors pick
