Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer Venkatesh Iyer has recalled going unsold two times at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction before ultimately being picked in the final round.
Iyer was one of the chief makers of KKR’s turnaround in IPL 2021, smashing 370 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 128.47, constructing his debut in the UAE leg. The Kolkata franchise was pining in the lower half of the points after the initial leg, but a stunning revival finished in them, ending up as runners-up.
Interaction on the chat shows Backstage with Boria, and the batting all-rounder exposed that having a good Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign brought him some limelight. He, despite that, admitted that it was a nerve-breaking auction for him. The 27-year-old describe:
“Huge thanks to KKR. Had it not been for KKR, I wouldn’t have been anywhere. I had a decent Mushtaq Ali last year – a few good scores and one particular inning where I finished the game for my side. With these knocks coming in, KKR scouted me, and then they picked me in the auction. It was down to the wire in the auction, and I was unsold twice and then picked by KKR in the final round.”
Enjoyed speaking to @venkateshiyer Love his attitude. Wants to matches for India and isn't satisfied with just being there. That's what matters. @KKRiders YT link https://t.co/8p4DgbZckR Congrats to him on 50 over selection and wish you all a safe and healthy 2022. pic.twitter.com/8308liOBRE
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 1, 2022
Iyer secured 227 runs in 5-matches for Madhya Pradesh at a strike rate of 149.34 over the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The left-handed batter acclaimed the Kolkata franchise for making him believe part of the setup, even though he did not play any matches in part one. He described in detail:
“Once I was in KKR, there was a point where I felt like I was somewhere, I am doing something correctly in my life. Then the first phase happened, and I did not get my opportunity. But thanks to KKR for believing in me and making me understand that even though I am not playing, I am there in the mix. They did not ignore me altogether or any player for that matter. They always kept pushing me that I’ll play, and when I play, I am going to do well.”
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