After early setbacks, Iyer and Rinku Singh’s explosive 91-run stand lifts Kolkata Knight Riders to a strong total in their IPL 2025 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Kolkata, April 4:
Venkatesh Iyer roared back to form with a match-defining 60 off 28 balls as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a formidable 200/6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens in their IPL 2025 encounter.
After a slow start, Iyer found his rhythm and launched an all-out assault in the final overs, forming a crucial 91-run partnership with Rinku Singh to resurrect KKR’s innings after early setbacks.
“The ball was holding on a bit—not the Eden pitch I’m used to,” Iyer said post-innings, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“We feel we have a very competitive score on the board.”
🧨 Iyer & Rinku Rescue KKR After Early Collapse
KKR lost both Quinton de Kock (1) and Sunil Narine (7) inside the first three overs to Pat Cummins and Kamindu Mendis, leaving them at 16/2.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 27) and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50 off 32) steadied the innings with an 81-run stand, but their dismissals left KKR reeling again at 106/4 by the 13th over.
That’s when Iyer and Rinku Singh (32 off 17)* took charge, blasting 91 runs in under 7 overs. Iyer struck 7 fours and 3 sixes, before falling in the final over to Harshal Patel. Rinku remained unbeaten, guiding KKR past the 200-run mark with late fireworks.
🗣️ Iyer on Mindset, Pitch, and Domestic Cricket
Iyer, who hadn’t made an impact in his first two games, revealed a more calculated approach for this innings:
“I just wanted to get a feel of the wicket. Credit to Rahane and Raghuvanshi for setting the platform. The message was to take your time and then go all-out.”
He also spoke about the importance of domestic cricket:
“BCCI now mandates domestic participation, and it’s a great opportunity to face new challenges. I even play club cricket whenever possible.”
🔍 SRH Bowling Overview
Despite early breakthroughs, SRH’s bowlers couldn’t prevent KKR’s late charge.
Wicket-takers:
- Pat Cummins
- Mohammed Shami
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Harshal Patel
- Kamindu Mendis — all picked up one wicket each but lacked control at the death.
🏏 What’s Next:
SRH now face a stiff challenge with a target of 201 to chase in their pursuit of a second win this season. KKR’s strong finish has set up a high-stakes second innings at Eden Gardens.