My intent is always to be positive and aggressive: Venkatesh Iyer

After nearly trying out five different opening pairs during the competition, Kolkata Knight Riders finally went back to square one, opening with Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane against Mumbai Indians. While Rahane struggled to find the sweet spot of his bat, Iyer had a gala time in the middle, getting KKR off to the best start possible. 

In the post-match presentation, Iyer explained that his intent despite the slump was to be “positive and aggressive”, considering the poor starts at the top of the order for the franchise. 

“It's my job to go out there and give my team a good start. My intent is always positive and aggressive, sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn't. With the middle order we have it's important to have a good start, so that they (other batters) can come in and contribute,” Venkatesh Iyer said at the end of the clash. 

“It's important to contribute, with the bat, or ball or in the field. Fielding is very important for me and so is bowling. Unfortunately I didn't get a lot of overs, but whatever overs I get, I ensure I do the job that the captain wants me to do,” he added.

Prior to his drop, the all-rounder played at numerous positions, including batting at No.6 for a few games. However, it is at the top of the order, Iyer has excelled in the competition and was at his natural best during his 24-ball 43 against 2020 IPL champions, Mumbai. 

 “I just wanted to go out there and enjoy myself. It has been a tough period for me but I have just been focusing on the process. I cannot control the number of runs or wickets but I can only control the process,” Iyer later added in a video with KKR all-rounder Pat Cummins.