New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped India unearth many gems over the years. One of them is Venkatesh Iyer. The tall left-hander has emerged as one of the most talented players in the league. Despite being surrounded by a host of superstars, Iyer has cemented his place in the Kolkata Knight Riders playing XI.
After impressing in KKR’s IPL 2024-winning campaign, Iyer was roped in by Lancashire for the One-Day Cup and County Championship in England.
Iyer was instrumental in KKR’s third IPL title win. The swashbuckling left-hander made half-centuries against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 and the final.
He was recommended to the club by Phil Salt, his Kolkata Knight Riders teammate. Iyer was signed for a short five-week stint and was set to return to India ahead of India’s domestic season opener, the Duleep Trophy, which kicks off on September 5. But since he has not been selected in any of the four squads in India’s domestic competition, he might extend his stay in England.
While Iyer’s batting abilities are well-known, not many are aware of his bowling abilities. That was until his match-winning over in Lancashire’s thrilling 3-run win over Worcestershire on Wednesday.
Iyer emerges as a bowling hero for Lancs
Iyer only contributed 25 in Lancs below-par total of 237 in 50 overs. Iyer was the third-highest scorer for the hosts after Josh Bohannon (87) and George Balderson (50). In reply, the Worcs struggled to get going and lost three top-order batters in the first 15 overs. Jake Libby scored 83, Tom Taylor notched up 41 but both batters got out at a crucial juncture, leaving the visitors in trouble.
But Tom Hinley’s 17-ball 24 gave them a chance of a dramatic victory but with four runs needed off eight balls and two wickets remaining, Iyer dismissed Hinley and Harry Darley in successive deliveries to grab a dramatic win.
Watch Iyer’s heroic efforts with the ball
3️⃣ runs required to win.
2️⃣ wickets needed…
Over to you, @venkateshiyer! 😍
🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/CfuDnk44Oo pic.twitter.com/gNTFO2M6ml
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) August 14, 2024
India’s next fast-bowling all-rounder?
Some fans argued that Iyer could become a good fast-bowling all-rounder for India. Iyer has played 11 international matches for India (2 ODIs, 9 T20Is) but has yet to score a half-century. He hasn’t been tested as a bowler though.
@rwamit
I know it’s not right to compare, but I feel Venky has more potential than Dubey ji.
— Abhisek (@abhi_ab93) August 15, 2024
Wah venki
— skipper (@skipperjatt) August 15, 2024
Kolkata Knight Riders’ star batter displayed his bowling skills playing for Lancashire in the One-Day Cup in England. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
