(BCCI Photo)
Kolkata Knight Riders’ standout player from the IPL 2024 final, Venkatesh Iyer, delivered a sharp and enigmatic remark aimed at RCB and their ex-captain Virat Kohli.
Venkatesh Iyer, who played a stunning innings with a half-century last Sunday to secure Kolkata’s third IPL title, spoke boldly in his latest interview. His fearless attitude matched his performance in the finale and throughout the season. Iyer’s contributions with the bat were pivotal for KKR, and he finally experienced the thrill of being a champion in the world’s wealthiest T20 league.
In 2021, Venkatesh Iyer came close to winning the IPL, but the Chennai Super Kings triumphed in the final. This year, however, with strong support from Gautam Gambhir and his teammates, the Knight Riders were a formidable force. They had all the elements of a champion team, with Iyer being the key difference-maker.
What comments did Venkatesh Iyer make about Virat Kohli and RCB?
In an exclusive interview with RevSportz following the IPL final, Venkatesh Iyer was remarkably frank when discussing Kolkata’s championship-winning season. The first question posed to Iyer concerned the lessons and experiences gained from sharing the dressing room with Gautam Gambhir, who joined the team this season as a Mentor.
Venkatesh Iyer’s response highlighted the significant impact Gambhir had on his mindset. The left-handed batter emphasized Gambhir’s key principle—that cricket is a team game and everyone must be willing to support each other.
Iyer pointed out that discussions often center on individual achievements, despite cricket being a true team sport. He remarked that a season with 600 runs is meaningless if the team doesn’t win the championship. He noted that Ramandeep Singh’s 95-run season was far more valuable because it contributed to the team’s success.
This was a subtle jab at Virat Kohli, who scored over 600 runs, specifically 741, but his team was still eliminated in the playoffs.
Iyer emphasized the team-centric ethos instilled by Gambhir, stressing that cricket isn’t a solo endeavor but a collective effort. He noted that external discussions often focus on individual performances, but highlighted the significance of Ramandeep Singh’s 95 runs for KKR over potentially higher individual scores elsewhere.
Venkatesh Iyer underscores Gambhir’s emphasis on the collective effort rather than individual achievements.
Venkatesh Iyer reflected on Gautam Gambhir’s consistent emphasis on the significance of teamwork within the KKR squad. Additionally, Iyer disclosed Gambhir’s welcoming demeanor whenever he sought guidance on his role within the team. The former Indian World Cup winner greeted him with a smile on every occasion, demonstrating his approachability and encouragement.
“That’s what he reminded us continuously. Each time I spoke to him, he would welcome me with a smile and tell me how I could make a difference to the team. That’s the moot point with him – it is always about the collective, and not ever about any individual,” Venkatesh Iyer concluded.
