Flexibility at the Crease: Venkatesh Iyer’s Key to Success Against MI

Following a decisive 70-run performance against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Venkatesh Iyer discussed the adaptability required in his batting role.

In a match where KKR faced a challenging start, Iyer’s 70 off 52 balls, which included 6 fours and 3 sixes, played a crucial role.

After the game, Iyer reflected on his innings, emphasizing the need for flexibility under varying circumstances. “Given the condition of the pitch and the early loss of wickets, I realized I needed to stabilize our innings. It’s about adapting to the situation. Today, with wickets falling around me, it became essential to anchor the innings, which dictated a more measured approach to my batting,” Iyer explained.

The pitch at Wankhede Stadium, described by Iyer as “two-paced,” influenced his strategy to play cautiously. He highlighted the importance of this adaptability, particularly when his fellow batter, Manish Pandey, joined him at the crease. Together, they built an 83-run partnership that propelled KKR to a competitive total of 169.

On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc shone brightly, returning figures of 4-33 in 3.5 overs, pivotal in KKR securing a 24-run victory over MI. Both Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine contributed significantly with two wickets each, maintaining pressure throughout MI’s innings.

This win places KKR in a strong position, second in the IPL 2024 standings with 14 points. Meanwhile, MI sits at ninth with 6 points. Looking ahead, KKR is set to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.