The 22nd game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is being played between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The KKR batter, Venkatesh Iyer has scripted history for the franchise as he becomes the second batter for them to smash a century in the cash-rich league.
Interestingly, McCullum’s only century for KKR came in the very first game in the history of IPL – all the way back in 2008 – when he smashed an incredible unbeaten knock of 158 off just 73 deliveries. Iyer reached the historic mark in 49 deliveries in blistering innings against Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon.
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The left-handed batter had a good start to the 2023 season, as he had amassed 130 runs in four matches so far; he scored a quickfire 83 in just 40 deliveries during the side’s game against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) last week. On Sunday, he took a giant leap as he joined McCullum as only the second KKR batter to surpass the three-figure mark.
Venkatesh Iyer had made a quickfire start after the early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. By the end of the powerplay, Iyer had raced away to 39 off 16 deliveries, and even as he faced an injury on his knee and he eventually reached his half-century in 23 deliveries. The batter smashed his next fifty in 26 deliveries as he hit six fours and nine sixes en route to the three-figure mark.
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Venkatesh Iyer was eventually dismissed in the 18th over of the innings by Riley Meredith; going for a big hit, Iyer failed to time his reverse hit to perfection. Duan Jansen made no mistake in taking a comfortable catch at deep third man, eventually ending Iyer’s innings. This was Iyer’s first IPL century as well; the batting all-rounder has represented only Kolkata Knight Riders in the league so far. McCullum – the only other player with a century for KKR – had reached the three-figure mark in 53 deliveries against the RCB.
Here is the video of the fiery knock from Venkatesh Iyer:
On reaching the mark, a delighted Iyer pointed towards the KKR dug out and bowed down in his special celebration on reaching the three-figure mark. Suhana Khan, who was in the stands, erupted in joy and clapped at Iyer’s massive feat.
History Created… #venkateshiyer is the 2nd player to score 100 for KKR. 🔥🔥
What a Innings 🔥💪#KKRvMIpic.twitter.com/jiemQWEXkN— 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐀 𝐘𝐀𝐆𝐀 (@yaga_18) April 16, 2023
Here is how teh cricketing fraternity applauded Venkatesh Iyer:
𝘿𝙊 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎!
1⃣0⃣4⃣ Runs
5⃣1⃣ Balls
6⃣ Fours
9⃣ Sixes@venkateshiyer put on a show despite getting injured to score a magnificent 💯! 🙌 🙌 #TATAIPL | #MIvKKR | @KKRidersRelive that stunning knock 🎥 🔽https://t.co/yrOl1WXnWH
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2023
18th April 2008: Brendon McCullum 158* (73)
16th April 2023: Venkatesh Iyer 100* (49)A 15-year wait ends 🥹💜@venkateshiyer | #MIvKKR | #AmiKKR | #TATAIPL 2023
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 16, 2023
Venkatesh Iyer…the wait is over. Only three boundaries were hit while he was at the crease. Unbelievable knock. Proper definition of a ‘one man show’. #TataIPL #MIvKKR
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 16, 2023
This is such a wonderful demonstration from Venkatesh Iyer of how to put together a T20 innings. Kept going, got the big runs and even though he was losing partners, never eased up. Hit spin and pace both. In a small shortlist for the best innings this #TataIPL2023.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 16, 2023
Venky you beauty my boy . Well played @venkateshiyer 🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @KKRiders @IPL
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 16, 2023
Venkatesh Iyer only 2nd batter to score hundred for @KKRiders there was a proper method to this inning 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 16, 2023
Venkatesh Iyer becomes the 1st centurion KKR after that monstrous 158 by Baz Mcculum on the opening day of IPL 1. Its been a long wait for the KKR but this innings was really special. Well played @venkateshiyer ! #MIvsKKR
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) April 16, 2023
Very aggressive, very impressive, very Venkatesh 💯👌#MIvsKKR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 16, 2023
What a Fantastic 💯 by @venkateshiyer !! Just an all round top class knock!! 💜💜💜
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 16, 2023
To think this is the first 💯 for @KKRiders since @Bazmccullum way back in 2008 is remarkable. 🤩
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) April 16, 2023
Answering that top order question for KKR by Venky 🤸🏽👏 @venkateshiyer #KKR 🚀 #MIvKKR pic.twitter.com/1762Jua2QA
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) April 16, 2023
Congratulations @venkateshiyer on becoming the second @KKRiders player to score a century in @IPL. #IPL2023 #KKRvMI
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) April 16, 2023
Venkatesh Iyer 👏🏻
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) April 16, 2023
