IPL 2025: KKR's Venkatesh Iyer sets Eden Gardens ablaze with his fiery innings vs SRH

Ahead of Match 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), fans trolled Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for Rs 23.75 crore, making him the third most expensive player.

However, his performance in the 18th edition of the IPL did not justify the price. But the all-rounder shut down critics in style, smashing a 29-ball 60 with 7 fours and 3 sixes, setting Eden Gardens ablaze.

Fans react to Venkatesh Iyer's innings

While he departed after scoring 60, fans were still pleased with the intent shown by the all-rounder at the team¡¯s home venue. Many on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared memes, videos, and pictures while also praising the young gun.

One fan wrote, "That was a valuable knock for KKR... Well done, Venkatesh Iyer! This will help KKR cross 200 runs."

That valuable runs for KKR

Well done Venkatesh Iyer

This will help us KKR fro more than 200 runs #srhvskkr #IPL2025

¡ª Adesh Thakur (@AdeshThakur1999) April 3, 2025

One simply wrote, "Venkatesh Iyer¡ª23 Cr worth!"

Venkatesh Iyer 23Cr Worth ?

¡ª Overseas ?? (@Thala_Is_GOD) April 3, 2025

Another added, "Time and time again, Venkatesh Iyer proves why he was retained in 2022."

Time and time again, Venkatesh Iyer proves why he was retained in 2022. pic.twitter.com/P9vclPQLEC

¡ª SED KKR FAN (@KirketXpert) April 3, 2025

About KKR vs SRH

A blistering knock from Venkatesh Iyer powered KKR to a massive total. He took his time to settle, but once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, and Simarjeet Singh all bore the brunt of his assault as KKR hammered 66 runs in the final four overs. Rinku Singh played a crucial role in the death overs onslaught, complementing Iyer's power-hitting.

KKR initially struggled, losing both openers early, but skipper Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 27) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50 off 32) steadied the innings, laying the foundation for the left-handers to unleash havoc at the end. With a target of 201 to chase, SRH faces a tough challenge, especially if there's no dew to assist them.

Teams

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari

Impact Subs: Abhinav Manohar, Jaydev Unadkat, Travis Head, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell Luvnith Sisodia.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.