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When Venkatesh Iyer turned KKR vs MI IPL match on its head with spectacular century

Poulomi Chakraborty

Venkatesh Iyer after hundred against Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP Photos)Venkatesh Iyer after hundred against Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP Photos)

After more than a decade, an Iyer finally ended Kolkata’s long wait for glory as Shreyas Iyer guided KKR to their third IPL crown. But there was another Iyer who played a crucial role in that trophy win.

KKR pulled off a masterstroke in the 2021 as they secured Madhya Pradesh batter Venkatesh Iyer, a move that reshaped their campaign. Ahead of the upcoming mini auction, the franchise released the star, and that bold move sparked buzz.

Among some of his best knocks, his classic century against the Mumbai Indians in 2023 is still a classic. Now, as he prepares to part ways with the team, it’s the perfect moment to revisit that electrifying masterpiece.

Venkatesh Iyer’s brutal assault haunts Mumbai

Ever since the IPL burst onto the scene, Indian fans have embraced a new era of T20 celebration, one where heroes rise under bright lights and unforgettable knocks become part of cricketing folklore. Among all the stars, Venkatesh Iyer’s batting brilliance stunned the world. But among his countless masterclasses, the spectacular ton against the Mumbai Indians in 2023 is still a classic.

In the 22nd match of IPL 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders faced off against Mumbai Indians, and the iconic Wankhede Stadium witnessed a classic. Batting first, the KKR lineup faced a bizarre collapse. After Narayan Jagadeesan walked away on a duck, Iyer joined Gurbaz. After a 46-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer, Gurbaz walked away, leaving KKR reeling.

As the Knights were already under pressure and the Mumbai bowlers used the opportunity to the fullest. When they troubled other batters, Venkatesh Iyer rose from the ashes. With some lifelines, he emerged as the MI bowlers’ nightmare. After scoring a 23-ball fifty, smashing a ton was just a matter of time.

In the 17th over, he reached the magical three-figure mark and played an exceptional innings of 104 runs in just 51 deliveries with six boundaries and nine sixes. The innings was just not a century, as it broke KKR’s century jinx.

After Brendon McCullum hit the first century in the inaugural season, Venkatesh Iyer became the second batter to smash a hundred for the team after 15 years. Even though the batting lineup faltered, Iyer’s century helped to put on a score of 185 runs on the board.

Even though the Mumbai Indians chased down the total within the 18th over, Venkatesh Iyer’s century has been the biggest highlight of the game. Now, as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his career, that iconic knock remains one of the brightest moments of his IPL story.