As the Indian Premier League gears up for its upcoming edition starting March 22, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer expressed his anticipation to collaborate with the new coaching duo of Chandrakant Pandit and mentor Gautam Gambhir at the Kolkata Knight Riders.
In November last year, Gambhir announced his return to KKR as a mentor following a two-year tenure with Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir notably led KKR to IPL triumphs in 2012 and 2014.
“Gautam sir coming back is going to be a huge plus for KKR. I’m really looking forward to working with him. Whatever conversations I’ve had with him in the past, he has always talked about creating an impact for the team’s goals rather than personal milestones. He is an amazing leader and I’m also excited to see the combination of him and Chandu sir (Chandrakant Pandit). Both are amazing tacticians and have the experience of winning trophies,” Venkatesh expressed to kkr.in.
Following a tepid 2022 season, Venkatesh had a stellar last year as a specialist batter, accumulating 404 runs at a strike rate of 145.85, with a standout 49-ball century against Mumbai Indians.
“It’s always exciting to be a part of KKR and I feel honoured and privileged to play for this amazing franchise. The ultimate goal is to win the trophy. We know we have it in us to win it so we’re looking forward to going out there and putting our best foot forward. I’m looking forward to contributing with both bat and ball, so let’s hope for the best,” added Venkatesh, who has represented India in two ODIs and nine T20Is.
In the recent Ranji Trophy season, Venkatesh enjoyed success with the bat for Madhya Pradesh, accumulating 547 runs in eight matches, including a century and four fifties.
“It was amazing to represent Madhya Pradesh in the domestic season under Chandu sir (Chandrakant Pandit). This was my first full season after almost four years. We did well as a team and there are a lot of positives for me to pick up. Coming into the camp on the back of a Ranji Trophy has given me a sense of confidence in my skills both with bat and ball,” he said.
In addition to his batting prowess, Venkatesh Iyer, associated with KKR since IPL 2021, also claimed eight scalps with his medium-pace bowling during the Ranji Trophy matches, a facet he couldn’t exhibit in IPL 2023 due to returning to the game post an ankle injury.
“The domestic tournaments help build confidence in executing your best balls under pressure situations. I have gained a lot of confidence in my skills, and once you’re confident about your skills, then the execution part becomes easy.”