Venkatesh Iyer was named Player of the Match in RCB's win over PBKS.
Iyer's unbeaten 40-ball 73* was pivotal as RCB posted 222/4 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli (58) and Devdutt Padikkal (45) also contributed. In response, PBKS only managed 199/8, with Shashank Singh top-scoring with 56, losing the game by 23 runs, their sixth loss in a row in IPL 19.
Although Iyer hasn't played much for RCB this season, he demonstrated that perseverance pays off by being crucial to their victory over PBKS. Iyer was bluntly honest when asked about having to wait for opportunities this season because of RCB's great batting depth after the game.
“I’d lie if I said that I was not frustrated or did not want to play. I really wanted to go out there and play because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL. We want to play; we want to do well. But I do understand; I’ve been here long enough to understand that this is a champion team and to tinker with the combination is not always right. But I always tried to create an impact on the coaching staff to make me play, and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.
In three innings this season, Iyer has scored 114 runs, and his knock against PBKS is his highest.
Hailing Kohli for their partnership, Iyer added after the match, “But I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli." Obviously, the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you. I think with all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication; that’s the key. If you’re able to communicate well with your partner because it’s two people out there scoring runs together for the team, then that was the key.”
RCB will play their final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on May 22.