IPL 2021: WATCH- "He lets us be ourselves," Venkatesh Iyer hails KKR coach Brendon McCullum

Iyer played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 41 off 27 as KKR registered a 9-wicket win over RCB.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) began their UAE-leg of IPL 2021 on a high as they handed a 9-wicket loss to Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR bowlers did their part by restricting RCB to a paltry 92, and then the batters blasted RCB bowlers chasing down the total with 10 overs to spare.

A big positive for KKR was the debutant Venkatesh Iyer who made 41* (27) as the two-time champions registered a dominating win. As many thought the youngster might be under pressure to deliver in front of head coach Brendon McCullum.

Iyer in the latest video shared by KKR on Twitter revealed that the coach allows the players to be their natural self and play the brand of cricket that makes the boys comfortable.

“It is always good to see McCullum, and I am really excited to bat as he's gonna watch. There is no such pressure when he is right behind the nets. He is not a coach that puts a lot of pressure on us. He allows us to be what we are, and play the cricket that gives us maximum satisfaction. So I think that's good for players like us,” the 26-year-old said.

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The southpaw was then asked if batters tend to go with an aggressive approach in front of the KKR head coach, to which Iyer replied, “Not like that, see the best quality about someone aggressive is he knows how to handle situations and players. So, I guess, he just lets us be ourselves and that's gonna work.”

Is there extra pressure when @Bazmccullum is watching you bat from behind the nets?

Venkatesh Iyer answers! ????#AmiKKR #KKR #IPL2021 #KorboLorboJeetbo #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/B0BYoLtGiA

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 23, 2021

Iyer looked really comfortable on his debut hitting 7 boundaries and a maximum in his 41*. Even skipper Eoin Morgan had praised the left-hander for his contribution against RCB.

“Venkatesh Iyer, the way he came in and played was outstanding. Certainly, the brand of cricket we want to play. Playing under head coach Brendon McCullum, this is the aggressive nature of cricket we want to play. Although he was aggressive, he managed to control his innings. His opening partnership with Shubman Gill was beautiful to watch,” Morgan said during a virtual post-match press conference.

(With ANI Inputs)