Venkatesh Iyer becomes 2nd KKR batsman to hit a century in the IPL after Brendon McCullum

Coming in as an impact player for KKR, Venkatesh Iyer smashed 104 off 51 deliveries with 6 fours and 9 sixes against MI.

Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the top successful franchises in the Indian Premier League. They have won two titles and also were runners up on one occasion. Despite this, their batsmen have struggled to score a century for the team. Venkatesh Iyer with a hundred against Mumbai Indians has become only the second batsman to score a century for Kolkata in the IPL. Apart from Venkatesh Iyer, only Brandon Mccullum has scored a ton in the Indian Premier League. McCullum scored his century in the first ever game of the league in the year 2008 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Iyer’s century came after 5476 days, which is 14 years, 11 months and 29 days.

Venkatesh Iyer was the lone warrior against MI bowling

KKR All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer played a magnificent inning of 104 runs in just 51 balls. Iyer was the only batsman who looked comfortable against MI bowling. He smashed 6 fours and 9 towering sixes against MI bowlers. KKR got early blows in the powerplay where Rahmanullah Gurbaz and N Jagadesshan had to go out in single digit scores. Venkatesh on the other continued his onslaught to reach a hundred. Apart from him, no other batter could cross 20 runs mark in the top 6, KKR Openers and Captain Nitish Rana could only contribute 13 runs.

With a century against MI, Iyer has become the second batter to score a hundred for KKR. This is one surprising number because KKR had a battery of batsmen with them. Brandon Mccullum's innings set the tone for the IPL in India. IPL’s success is widely credited to his century in the inaugural game of the league at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Venkatesh Iyer with his hundred is now leading the orange cap race as well. Venkatesh Iyer with 234 runs in 5 innings leading the orange cap chart. Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan is just one run behind and is second with 233 runs.

Kolkata have given 186 runs target to Mumbai Indians. In Mumbai Indians' last game, Mumbai chased down 173 against Delhi Capitals on a tricky Delhi Wicket. It will be interesting to watch whether MI batters will rise to the occasion once again or not. Rohit Sharma will be coming out to bat against KKR, he was out of the starting XI due to a stomach bug. Rohit was Player of the Match against Delhi. His inning helped MI chase down the Capitals target.