Venkatesh Iyer the talented KKR player showered praise on team owner Shah Rukh Khan for his unwavering support and guidance following the teams thrilling victory against SunRisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 at Ahmedabad on Tuesday May 21. In an exhilarating chase of 160 runs Venkatesh Iyer showcased brilliance hammering an electrifying unbeaten 51 runs off just 28 balls to steer KKR to a resounding eight wicket triumph. Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten knock, coupled with Shreyas Iyer’s batting masterclass, propelled KKR into the IPL final.
In the flick of an eye through a mere 13.4 overs Kolkata Knight Riders etched their place in the IPL 2024 grand finale commanding the top spot on the leagues standings. Shah Rukh Khan a stalwart at the Narendra Modi Stadium embraced the crowd with a victory lap postgame.
In a post-game interview, Venkatesh Iyer informed the IPL website. Venkatesh Iyer said:
“I think it speaks volumes of the man that he is. We have seen him in the big screen, mesmerising people with his aura. But to not just be an owner of a franchise, but to be an elder brother figure for us, he guides us constantly. I think his pep talk not only lifted me, but for someone like Nitish Rana, who was dealing with an injury and to perform is a really big task. I think you will not be able to hear me now because he is here, but he is a great great franchise owner.”
Venkatesh Iyer
Shah Rukh Khan’s post-game statements, particularly after defeats, have become a regular fixture.
KKR won two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, and the forthcoming final will be their fourth in history.
“His presence in the team gets the zest in the team environment” – Shreyas Iyer
KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also thanked Shah Rukh Khan for infusing excitement to the team atmosphere, which resulted in the players’ upbeat attitude.
Shreyas hit an aggressive 58* from 24 balls in Qualifier 1, making short work of the run chase against SRH.
“His presence in the team gets the zest in the team environment. The attitude and approach of the team automatically changes, I think it is the perception over here (points to head) and you see, when the boys came to the field, everyone wanted to chip in with their contribution and everyone delivered.”
Shreyas Iyer
KKR’s triumph against SRH makes them five consecutive wins, and they will face one of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, or SRH in the grand finals in Chennai on Sunday, May 26.