NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third IPL title with a dominating victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
A standout performance came from Venkatesh Iyer, who not only played a crucial role with his unbeaten 52 off 26 balls but also demonstrated significant improvement in his overall game, drawing praise from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.
KKR's bowlers set the tone by bundling out SRH for just 113. Venkatesh then led the chase with an aggressive half-century, ensuring KKR's victory with 57 balls to spare. His performance was instrumental in securing the team's emphatic 8-wicket win.
Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar highlighted the marked improvement in Venkatesh Iyer's approach and game this season compared to the last. He suggested that these enhancements could lead to a return to the national team for the versatile player.
"I feel his batting and thinking have changed a little this time and for the better. Due to that, I believe he can once again become an India prospect because he bowls as well. He is also a very good fielder. If you are a left-handed middle-order batter in T20 or 50-over cricket and can bowl a few overs as well, it is icing on the cake," Gavaskar remarked.
Gavaskar noted that in the previous season, Venkatesh Iyer showed signs of overconfidence which led to his dismissals. Despite scoring a century against Mumbai, his tendency to go for big shots soon after arriving at the crease affected his consistency. In IPL 2023, Venkatesh aggregated 404 runs at an average of 28.86 in 14 innings. This season, he amassed 370 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 46.25, reflecting his improved performance.
"We haven't seen that this time. He played a few shots along the ground and after that, like we saw today, the way he attacked Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He understood that they could come under pressure if they had lost two or three wickets in the first six overs," Gavaskar observed.
Gavaskar praised Venkatesh for his strategic approach, particularly his ability to get his eye in before launching an attack on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a key SRH bowler.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the most dangerous bowler because the ball was swinging. So the way he went down the track and hit him for two sixes altered Bhuvneshwar Kumar's line and length. When that happens, the batters dominate," Gavaskar explained.
Gavaskar's insights underscore Venkatesh Iyer's transformation this season, suggesting that his refined batting and strategic mindset could indeed make him a strong candidate for a recall to the Indian national team.
1/10:Emotions galore as KKR family celebrates IPL 2024 triumph
IANS
2/10:Gambhir with his family
<p>Gautam Gambhir with his wife and daughters after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>
3/10:SRK celebrates with Shreyas Iyer's mother
<p>Shah Rukh Khan with Shreyas Iyer's mother after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>
4/10:Jay Shah poses with Gambhir
<p>BCCI secretary Jay Shah poses with Gautam Gambhir after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>AP
5/10:SRK with 'Hero' of the final Starc
<p>Shah Rukh Khan with Mitchell Starc after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>
6/10:Touching moment!
<p>Shah Rukh Khan kissed Gautam Gambhir's forehead after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday. <br /></p>AP
7/10:A king-size hug for skipper Iyer
<p>Shah Rukh Khan hugs skipper Shreyas Iyer after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>
8/10:The winning hug!
<p>Shah Rukh Khan hugs wife Gauri soon after Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third Indian Premier League title with an eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.<br /></p>
9/10:SRK does his signature pose for fans
<p>Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan celebrates after his team defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League final match in Chennai on Sunday.</p>AP
