Kolkata Knight Riders made it to the final of IPL 2021 beating Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 2 and it wouldn’t have been possible without Venkatesh Iyer’s 41-ball knock of 55 at the top of the order.

Iyer has turned KKR’s fortunes around completely with his performance in this UAE leg. He has impressed everyone and that includes KKR’s batting coach David Hussey as well.

“We have found a player in Venkatesh Iyer, who is not only classy but a wonderful person and team man. I thought he struck the ball superbly and from ball one. Some of the big sixes he hit today changed the tempo of the game and got us into a winning position,” said Hussey.

Iyer has amassed 320 runs in the nine games that he has played in this UAE leg, at an average of 40 and strike-rate of 125. That includes three match-winning fifties as well. This kind of performance from an uncapped player has rarely been seen before and that’s why it has become even more special.

The 26-year-old has stepped up with his medium-pace bowling whenever required as well. He has three wickets to his name too and that sums up how useful an asset he has been for KKR.

Hussey also heaped praise on Shubman Gill who was involved in several strong opening partnerships along with Iyer.

“The opening partnership was class personified and they compliment each other well. If one player is going, the other one sits back and gives the strike. So we have found a nice opening partnership and hopefully, it continues for one more game,” the former Australia player added.

KKR are now up in the final against Chennai Super Kings, which will be played in Dubai on Friday (October 15). This is the first time KKR are in the final after 2014 and they will be eager to notch up their third IPL title as well.