Venkatesh Iyer ends KKR’s 15-year wait for individual century

The day was April 18, 2008, maiden match of Indian Premier League and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Brendon McCullum slammed an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Cut to today, the 15-year wait for a century is finally over as Venkatesh Iyer scored KKR’s second century in the history of IPL.

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KKR put in to bat by Mumbai Indians, Iyer walked in early after the fall of N Jagadeeshan and showcased top-notch batsmanship. He looked comfortable at the crease and raked up nine sixes and six boundaries at a strike-rate 203.92.

While other top names in the batting lineup failed, Iyer single-handedly powered KKR to 185 for 6 in 20 overs. The left-hander scored 104 off 51 balls before falling to Riley Meredith.

Highest individual scores for KKR

158* (73) – Brendon McCullum vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008

104(51) – Venkatesh Iyer vs MI, Mumbai, 2023