IPL 2021: Venkatesh Iyer Showed A Lot Of Character Against Mumbai Indians, Says Irfan Pathan

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said that Kolkata Knight Riders opener Venkatesh Iyer showed a lot of character against Mumbai Indians.

Iyer continued from where he left off against RCB in the last game as he scored his maiden IPL fifty just playing in his second match while terrorising the Mumbai Indians bowlers with his belligerent shots.

Venkatesh Iyer registered maiden IPL fifty against Mumbai Indians

Iyer completed his half-century in 25 balls, his stupendous innings included four fours and three sixes. The southpaw was involved in an 88-run alliance with Rahul Tripathi, who scored 74 in KKR’s chase.

There is a lot more we are going to see of Venkatesh Iyer in the future: Irfan Pathan

In his first match against RCB, Iyer remained unbeaten on 48 as KKR won that game by nine wickets. Irfan Pathan was impressed with the 26-year-old batter’s classic performance against the likes of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.

“First match, he showed a lot of character. He showed some of the shots as well, cover drive and all. But there is always this question in your mind as a young player, what is going to happen in the next match. Who is going to turn up? Is it the same guy who is going to turn up?” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports. 

“He did, he actually turned up better, especially against Bumrah, against Boult. Against the Mumbai Indians bowling line-up, he showed a lot of character. There is a lot more we are going to see of Venkatesh Iyer in the future,” he added. 

Earlier in the match, Lockie Ferguson (2/27) and Prasidh Krishna (2/43) restricted Rohit Sharma and his men to a below-par total of 156/6 in the first innings.

KKR went on to beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and jumped in the top four positions with eight points and a net run rate of +0.363. Eoin Morgan’s side will next play Chennai Super Kings on September 26 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: IPL 2021: He’s Got Something About Him – Brendon McCullum Believes Venkatesh Iyer Could Become Like Adam Gilchrist