Venkatesh Iyer delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday as the Kolkata Knight Riders took on Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. Batting at the fifth position, Iyer captivated the audience with an array of impressive shots during a thrilling innings.

Recently, Iyer became KKR's most expensive acquisition in the mega-auction, returning to the team for ₹23.75 Crores, following a competitive bidding process that started at a base price of ₹2 crores.

Venkatesh Iyer destroys Pat Cummins to get 25-ball fifty

Iyer achieved his half-century during the 19th over, showcasing his skills against SRH bowler Pat Cummins. Cummins started with a slow, short delivery, which Iyer skillfully lifted over the wicketkeeper’s head for a boundary as he approached his fifty. He then faced another slow, short ball, which he effortlessly pulled over short leg for an impressive six.

On the third delivery, Cummins bowled a fast yorker, to which Iyer responded effectively, driving it behind square for a four, followed by another boundary over short third on the next ball. He then completed his half-century with a double, reaching the milestone in just 25 balls, while a misfield allowed Rinku Singh to avoid a run-out.

Iyer continued his aggressive play in the final over, hitting Harshal Patel for a six and a four off the first two deliveries. However, misfortune struck as Harshal dismissed him on the third delivery, leaving Iyer with a score of 60 runs off 29 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 206.89.

KKR finished their innings at 200/6 in 20 overs, thanks to the half-centuries from Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50), while Rinku Singh remained not out at 32.

After the first innings, Iyer commented, “The ball was gripping a bit; it’s not the Eden Gardens pitch I’m accustomed to. We believe we have set a good and competitive total. I didn’t score many runs in the first two matches, so I aimed to get a feel for the wicket.”

“Credit goes to Rahane and Raghuvanshi for their performance. They bowled well, and the ball was gripping. The strategy was to take our time before going all out. Playing domestic cricket is beneficial. The BCCI has made it mandatory, providing us with opportunities to face new bowlers. Competing in domestic matches is challenging, and I seize every chance to participate, even in club cricket,” he added.

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