'Had it not been for KKR, I wouldn’t have been anywhere' - Venkatesh Iyer thanks IPL franchise for identifying him

Kolkata Knight Riders owe a lot of praise for giving Venkatesh Iyer an opportunity in the IPL 2021 and the all-rounder repaid their faith completely. Venkatesh proved to be an excellent prospect for the franchise as his efforts at the top order took KKR into finishing as the runners-up in the previous edition. He has been bowling his medium pacers constantly and was even roped into the Indian side for the New Zealand T20I series.

Having made his debut for India in T20Is, Venkatesh has also been called up for the upcoming ODI series in South Africa and is expected to play a role at the number six position with Hardik Pandya facing injury concerns. India do not have many medium-pacer all-rounders going around and he can be a great backup option to someone like Pandya who has shown signs of inconsistency off late.

Venkatesh Iyer reveals the auction drama

Venkatesh mentioned that KKR has been the reason behind his talent coming into view and thanked the franchise for picking him up in the auction in the third round. Iyer had recently scored a 151 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy coming into bat at number six and he looks promising for a great future.

“Huge thanks to KKR. Had it not been for KKR, I wouldn’t have been anywhere. I had a decent Mushtaq Ali last year – a few good scores and one particular inning where I finished the game for my side. With these knocks coming in, KKR scouted me and they picked me in the auction. It was down to the wire in the auction. I was unsold twice and then picked by KKR in the final round,” Iyer told in the chat show Backstage with Boria

Iyer recalled the first phase of IPL 2021 where he did not get the chances for eight games and was finally rewarded during the second phase in UAE. He explained how the management had kept him always ready and were very supportive to him as well

“Once I was in KKR, there was a point where I felt like I was somewhere, I am doing something correct in my life. Then the first phase happened and I did not get my opportunity. But, thanks to KKR for believing in me and making me understand that even though I am not playing, I am there in the mix. They did not ignore me altogether or any player for that matter. They always kept pushing me that I’ll play, and when I play, I am going to do well,” he added