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RCB's Venkatesh Iyer, RR's Dhruv Jurel prove haters wrong with dazzling VHT knocks

Rajgeeta Yadav

Dhruv Jurel and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]Dhruv Jurel and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]

The Vijay Hazare Trophy Round 7 turned out to be a memorable day for Venkatesh Iyer and Dhruv Jurel, as both players answered their critics with brilliant performances. On Thursday, January 8, Iyer played for Madhya Pradesh against Karnataka, while Jurel represented Uttar Pradesh against Bengal. 

Most importantly, both batters proved their worth at a time when questions were being raised about their recent form and big-price tags in IPL.

Venkatesh Iyer delivers under pressure against Karnataka

Venkatesh Iyer has been under constant scrutiny ever since Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought him for ₹7 crore in IPL mini-auction last month. Due to this, expectations were high, and his previous low scores only added to the criticism. However, Iyer chose the perfect stage to make a strong comeback.

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Iyer led Madhya Pradesh to a convincing seven-wicket win over Karnataka. Chasing a target of 208 runs, he played a captain-like knock and remained unbeaten on 65 runs from just 33 balls. 

Furthermore, his innings included 4 fours and 5 massive sixes, showing both confidence and aggression.

Madhya Pradesh chase down the target in no time

Earlier in the chase, openers Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri gave Madhya Pradesh a solid start by adding 78 runs. Although both batters got out in quick succession, Iyer held his ground. 

Along with Akshat Raghuwanshi and later Tripuresh Singh, he stitched together two partnerships of over 50 runs. As a result, the chase became easy and was completed in just 23.2 overs.

Notably, this knock was Iyer’s first 50-plus score in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking a strong return to form. Additionally, Shivang Kumar impressed with the ball for Madhya Pradesh, picking up 5 wickets for 45 runs. 

So far in the tournament, the ex-KKR all rounder has scored 176 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 112.82, averaging 29.33.

Dhruv Jurel shines with a stunning century against Bengal

Just like Iyer, Dhruv Jurel also faced criticism after being retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹14 crore. However, the young wicketkeeper-batter showed why teams continue to trust him. Playing against Bengal at the Sanosara Cricket Ground B in Rajkot, Jurel produced a stunning century.

After Uttar Pradesh won the toss and chose to bowl, Bengal posted a challenging total of 270 runs. While chasing, Jurel came in at number three and played a calm yet powerful innings. He scored 123 runs off 96 balls, smashing 9 fours and 5 sixes. Because of his knock, Uttar Pradesh stayed firmly in the chase and won the match by five wickets.

Notably, Jurel’s century was not just a one-off performance. In fact, he has now recorded six 50-plus scores in his last seven List A matches. Unsurprisingly, he was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding effort.

In conclusion, both Venkatesh Iyer and Dhruv Jurel used their bats to respond to criticism in the best possible way.