KKR’s batter Venkatesh Iyer played the knock of his life as he smashed a terrific 104 runs on Sunday in the match against Mumbai Indians. However, KKR lost the match by five wickets despite Iyer’s heroics with the bat.
Post-hitting a century, Venkatesh Iyer was elated and deviated his ton to assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The Madhya Pradesh-based batter sustained an ankle injury and as a result, he could not give his best in the domestic season. Later, he had surgery and then he went to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to get back to his full fitness.
"IPL is a comeback tournament. I broke my left ankle six months back - the subtalar joint had come out - and it was a freakish accident. But I am fortunate to be under a system where the BCCI takes care of me," he said to the media after the match.
"Everything was taken care of and I was at the NCA for four to five months. All the doctors and trainers were very cooperative and they helped me come out of this space.
"A lot of doctors told me that I would not be able to run as fast as I normally would. I would feel disappointed but I am happy that I am back on the field and doing what I love the most and contributing to the team."
Iyer smashed nine huge sixes and six boundaries during his 51-ball innings. But then Mumbai Indians registered a five-wicket win after chasing 186 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.
The 28-year-old also credited KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit and said, "As far as Chandu sir goes, I have been working with him for three years and I am happy that his tactics are now at an international level”.