Venkatesh Iyer was picked for the Player of the Match award for his innings.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Venkatesh Iyer spoke on his knock in Qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday (October 13). KKR defeated Delhi by 3 wickets after Rahul Tripathi hit a six with 6 runs needed off the last two balls.
Chasing the target of 136 runs, Iyer and Shubman Gill had provided them a solid platform with a 96-run stand for the first wicket. Iyer went on to score 41-ball 55 with 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Gill smashed 46 runs in an equal number of deliveries.
ALSO READ: IPL 2021: David Hussey lauds Venkatesh Iyer; opens up about Russell's return for Final v CSK
"I wasn't chasing 136, I just went out there to bat. I just wanted to play first six overs and then see what the situation is," said Iyer in a video posted on the IPL website.
Kolkata were in the bottom four when IPL 2021 second phase started and they managed to win seven out of 14 matches to qualify for the playoffs. They had won only 2 out of the first 7 matches in the first half of IPL 2021.
"The brand of cricket that the KKR is playing and by KKR I just don't mean the cricketers who are playing out there but the entire management.
"The way we are thinking, the way we are going about the things that are the real turn around for us. The intent we are showing not just on the field but off the field is that what brought us here," he added.
Iyer is now looking forward to the IPL 2021 final, but he isn't seeing it as a big game to not take unnecessary pressure. Kolkata will face Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 final.
"I will just rest up tomorrow (Thursday) and I am not going to treat it as a final or big game. I will just play my game and give my best and that's what the entire team is going to do," he said.
(With ANI Inputs)