'Would Like to Credit Her': KKR's Venkatesh Iyer Dedicates Match-winning Knock Against RCB to Fiancee

Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team in the 2024 edition of the IPL to pick up a win on the road as they got the better of Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 7 wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.

KKR batter Venkatesh Iyer starred for the visitors as he notched up a 30-ball 50 to help the side claim a win away from home. The left-hander’s knock helped the side from Kolkata chase down the target of 183 runs with 19 deliveries to spare.

Follow all the action from IPL 2024, including the IPL 2024 Schedule and IPL 2024 Points Table. Also, check Players vying for IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap 

He dispatched a six on the leg side during his incredible innings, and ended up pulling his back a little, but carried on nevertheless to bring up his fifty!

“It’s just a little jacked up, have to go and have a scan,” he said after the game when asked about his back.

RCB managed to make 182/6 in 20 overs as Virat Kohli top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 83-run knock on a pitch that was described as two-paced.

Venkatesh said that the pitch got better during the course of the evening and lauded opener Sunil Naraine, who smashed 47 runs off just 22 balls to set KKR up on steady stead to finish off the run chase with aplomb.

“To be honest, it got better as the game went on, one end in particular, the Pavilion end and credit to Narine, the pressure was off and we had to go and finish the formalities,” the left-hander said.

“It was very important to capitalise on the platform laid, the left-arm spinner was bowling and it was my duty to go after the bowling,” he added.

The southpaw reached his half-century mark, held up his hand and blew a kiss in celebration, and revealed that it was in acknowledgement of his fiancee who was in the crowd.

“Also my fiancee is here and I would like to credit her,” he said.

Vyshak Vijaykumar was the pick of the lot for RCB bowling unit as the young pacer leaked just 23 runs in his 4 overs while also picking up the wicket of Phil Salt.

“Vyshak bowled really well, used the change-ups nicely. To face him was a little tough, pace off on that pitch in totality was tough. Even when we bowled quick deliveries, it was tough,” he concluded.