IPL 2025: Venkatesh Iyer Highlights That True Aggression Is About Intent, Not Just Sixes Following KKR's Victory Over SRH
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Synopsis
Kolkata Knight Riders' vice-captain, Venkatesh Iyer, shared insights on their 80-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, emphasizing that true aggression in cricket involves showing the right intent rather than just hitting boundaries.
Key Takeaways
- Venkatesh Iyer scored 60 runs off 29 balls.
- KKR achieved a total of 200 runs.
- Team strategy focused on correct intent over recklessness.
- Important partnerships were formed during the match.
- Bowling was led by Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Kolkata, April 4 (NationPress) Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer shared insightful thoughts on his team's dominant 80-run triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 on Thursday, emphasizing that aggression is not merely about hitting every ball for a six; it involves displaying the correct intent.
Iyer, who dazzled with a remarkable 60 runs off just 29 balls including 7 fours and 3 sixes, was pivotal in guiding KKR to a formidable total of 200 after a cautious start at Eden Gardens, reminiscent of last year's final.
“A fundamental yet significant aspect of aggression is to exhibit positive yet correct intent while playing cricket,” Iyer articulated when questioned about KKR's batting strategy.
“If we find ourselves at 50 for six and I still attempt to hit every ball, that's positive but not the right approach. To label ourselves as intelligent cricketers, it’s crucial to read the situation and respond accordingly.”
The left-handed batsman clarified that KKR's concept of aggression does not entail recklessly hitting every delivery for boundaries. “Aggression does not equate to striking every ball for a six. It's about understanding the conditions and optimizing them to our advantage,” he elaborated.
Iyer acknowledged his teammates—particularly skipper Ajinkya Rahane and emerging batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi—for their valuable contributions during the strategic timeout that enabled him to better evaluate the pitch conditions. Forming a vital partnership of 81 runs in 51 balls, Rahane scored 38, while Raghuvanshi contributed 50.
“The primary communication came from Ajinkya and Angkrish. Their messages during the timeout clarified that it’s not a straightforward pitch to just go out and hit. You need to be patient,” he noted.
KKR's batting plan revolved around Iyer and Rinku Singh establishing a foundation before ramping up the scoring in the death overs, confident in their explosive batters like Andre Russell waiting in the dugout. “I have that advantage because we have Rinku, Ramandeep (Singh), and (Andre) Russell in the back end. Even if I take a few balls, I know I can cover it to an extent. We still have our engine room capable of dismantling any bowling attack,” Iyer remarked.
When analyzing SRH's overly aggressive batting strategy that stumbled against KKR's bowling attack, led by Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy (each claiming three wickets), Iyer stated, “We never feel comfortable with any score against SRH. An ultra-aggressive team always risks losing wickets, and that’s what we aimed to exploit.”
Iyer also conveyed his appreciation for facing star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who has recently returned to action after a lengthy injury hiatus. “The cricket fan in me is thrilled to see Shami Bhai back in full swing. He posed significant challenges during the Ranji Trophy, but in T20, bowlers also have a mindset that if they make mistakes, they might concede boundaries,” he concluded.
