IPL 2023: “Venkatesh Iyer Is A 360 Kind Of Player”, Says Kevin Pietersen

IPL 2023: Former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen praised Venkatesh Iyer, an all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for his scorching century against Mumbai Indians (MI), referring to him as a “360 player.” Iyer hit the team’s first century in fifteen years. Brendon McCullum struck the last and first during the opening game of the 2008 IPL season against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Despite making 104 off 51, Venkatesh Iyer could not prevent MI from defeating them by 5 wickets with 14 balls remaining, chasing a score of 186. While serving as an expert on Star Sports, Pietersen expressed his admiration for the 28-year-old’s batting.

IPL 2023: “He Is a Tall Guy” – Kevin Pietersen

When Kevin Pietersen first saw Venkatesh Iyer bat in IPL 2021 in Dubai, he thought the Indian batsman had starting quality. Pietersen recalled that. In his first IPL 100 against MI, Venkatesh Iyer honored KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit.

Venkatesh ascended to the top of the Orange Cap leaderboard with this century. He has a 46.8 batting average and has 234 runs scored in 5 innings so far this season. On the domestic stage, Iyer represents Madhya Pradesh, which won its maiden Ranji Trophy under Pandit last season.

Since the athlete and coach have been working together for three years, it is only fair that the all-around player gives his best to his longtime coach.

Pietersen recalled an inning in which Iyer had played some impressive shots during the pandemic-affected season. Iyer’s century was notable since it was only the second century by a KKR player since the competition’s establishment. The first was Brendon McCullum’s legendary 158* in the inaugural IPL game in 2008.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Impact

Venkatesh Iyer’s ground-breaking century allowed Nitish Rana’s KKR to score respectably on the board. The intimidating hitter was upfront about his intentions and did not spare any Mumbai Indians bowlers throughout his punishing innings. As a result of his ability to use a variety of shots to access all areas of the field, Kevin Pietersen dubbed him a “360-degree player.”

Pietersen was impressed by Iyer’s back-foot stroke play. The veteran also remembered the moments when Venkatesh made a big impression during the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg of the IPL 2021. In KKR’s upcoming game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 10, Venkatesh Iyer will try to maintain his current form.