Venkatesh Iyer Struggles in SMAT 2024 Against Rajasthan

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: December 3, 2024
Last updated: February 11, 2025

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Venkatesh Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) high-value acquisition for the IPL 2025, faced a challenging outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, contributing to Madhya Pradesh’s struggle against Rajasthan. Iyer, who was sold to KKR for INR 23.75 Crores, managed to score only 16 runs, marking a disappointing performance given his price tag.

In a tactical match, Rajasthan’s captain, Mahipal Lomror, opted to bowl first. This decision was quickly validated as Madhya Pradesh lost three crucial wickets within the initial seven overs. Deepak Hooda, a part-time bowler for Rajasthan, delivered a key breakthrough by dismissing Venkatesh Iyer, further pushing Madhya Pradesh into difficulty. Hooda’s dismissal of the high-priced player underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket, where part-time bowlers can make significant impacts.

Alongside Hooda, Rajasthan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Manav Suthar, who emerged as a standout performer. Suthar’s precise bowling earned him figures of two wickets for just 17 runs, significantly stalling Madhya Pradesh’s progress. Despite the early interventions, the Madhya Pradesh team managed to put up a total of 139 runs in their innings, a score that seemed below par given the early setbacks.

This match showcased the volatility and excitement inherent in short format cricket tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, emphasizing that high auction prices do not always translate into high on-field performance. Iyer’s expensive tag adds additional pressure to perform, particularly in high-stress matches that serve as a prelude to the IPL.

In conclusion, while Venkatesh Iyer’s talent and potential justify his high price tag, his performance in this particular match was not reflective of that value. As the tournament progresses, both Iyer and his team will be keen on turning around their fortunes and proving their mettle in upcoming fixtures. This match is a reminder of the importance of each player’s contribution to the team’s success, whether high-priced marquee players or strategic inclusions like Hooda.