[Watch] Krunal Pandya Shatters Venkatesh Iyer's Stumps; Gives Animated Send-Off

Krunal dismisses Venkatesh [Source: @kuchnahi1269083/X.com]

Kolkata knight Riders invested heavily in Venkatesh Iyer as the all-rounder was bought for INR 23.75 crore in the IPL mega auction, but Venkatesh failed to live up to the expectations and flopped in the opening game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens.

KKR were put into bat by Rajat Patidar but after an early hiccup in the form of Quinton de Kock, KKR duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine resurrected the innings with a 100-run partnership.

Krunal's magical ball to dismiss Venkatesh

Rahane, who's place in the side was questioned, silenced his critics with a 25-ball fifty as KKR took apart the RCB bowlers in the next few overs. However, with Narine and Rahane back in the hut in quick successions, the onus was on Venkatesh Iyer to steer the team to a strong total, but RCB spinner, Krunal Pandya had some other plans. He bowled quicker and flatter length ball as Venkatesh stayed back and failed to get a bat on it as the ball shattered the stumps.

The spinner gave an animated send-off as he was pumped up after going for plenty of runs in the early overs.

KKR spent hefty amount on Venkatesh Iyer

The all-rounder was released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, but KKR sprung a surprise when they let go off Shreyas Iyer, but invested in Venkatesh in the mega auction. The franchise bought him for a whopping 23.75 crore and question marks were raised on this move.

The all-rounder flopped in the first match and needs to perform exceedingly well in other matches to justify his price tag.

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