Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) versatile all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer marked his half-century against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 10th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with a charming gesture, blowing a flying kiss to his fiancée at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, March 29.
After a modest start in the opening match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he managed only 7 runs, Iyer made a strong comeback in the second match against RCB, clinching a crucial half-century.
Scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, Iyer showcased his prowess before being dismissed by the left-arm pacer Yash Dayal in the 16th over, embellishing his innings with 3 fours and 4 sixes.
Despite not converting his half-century into a big score, Iyer’s celebratory moment, where he removed his helmet and blew a kiss towards the KKR dugout, captured attention. In the post-match presentation, he attributed his celebration to his fiancée’s presence in the stadium, “Also my fiancee is here and I would like to credit her,” Iyer said.
KKR emerged victorious by 7 wickets, ending the home teams’ winning streak in IPL 2024 by defeating RCB in their home ground. Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 182 runs in their 20 overs, led by former captain Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten for 83 runs in 59 balls.
Chasing the total, Sunil Narine played a flamboyant inning, scoring 47 runs of 22 balls with 5 sixes. He was well supported by the lies of Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer and KKR captain Shreyas Iyer.
