April 4, 2025
2 mins read

IPL 2025: Iyer Defines Aggression as Smart Intent in KKR’s 80-Run Victory Over SRH

The 29-year-old credited his teammates, particularly skipper Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, for guiding the team during the strategic time-out.

Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer shared key insights into his team’s dominant 80-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, emphasizing that aggression in cricket is not about hitting sixes but about showing the correct intent.

Iyer, who played a blistering knock of 60 off 29 balls, leading KKR to a commanding total of 200, explained that true aggression lies in making smart decisions in response to the match situation. “Aggression isn’t about mindlessly hitting every ball for a boundary,” Iyer said. “It’s about reading the conditions and playing accordingly, making sure you maximise your opportunities.”

Reflecting on KKR’s batting strategy, Iyer stressed the importance of understanding the match context, noting that a reckless approach would not serve the team well in challenging conditions. “If we are 50 for six and I still go and tonk everything, that’s positive but not correct,” he stated.

The 29-year-old credited his teammates, particularly skipper Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, for guiding the team during the strategic time-out. The duo helped Iyer reassess the pitch conditions, resulting in a crucial 81-run partnership. Rahane contributed 38 runs, while Raghuvanshi scored a valuable 50.


“The communication from Ajinkya and Angkrish made us realise that this wasn’t an easy pitch to just go out and hit. You have to take your time and build partnerships,” Iyer explained.

KKR’s strategy revolved around building a solid foundation through Iyer and Rinku Singh before unleashing the big-hitters in the death overs. Iyer felt confident with destructive players like Andre Russell in the line-up, allowing the team to accelerate late in the innings. “We have Rinku, Ramandeep, and Russell in the back end, which gives us the luxury to take a few balls to settle in. We know our engine room can demolish any bowling attack,” he added.

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders’ Venkatesh Iyer plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

Discussing SRH’s ultra-aggressive batting approach, which failed to make an impact against KKR’s bowlers, Iyer acknowledged the risk that comes with such a style. “SRH’s ultra-aggressive nature always carries the risk of losing wickets, and that’s what we aimed to exploit,” he said. KKR’s bowlers, led by Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy (both claiming three wickets), successfully stifled SRH’s batting line-up.
Iyer also expressed his admiration for star pacer Mohammed Shami, who made his comeback to cricket after a long injury layoff. “As a cricket fan, I’m thrilled to see Shami Bhai back in action. He’s a challenging bowler to face, especially in the longer formats, but in T20, even the best bowlers know they can get hit for a boundary if they err,” Iyer concluded.

With this 80-run win, KKR showcased a blend of calculated aggression and strategic play, reaffirming their intent to perform well in IPL 2025.

Previous Story

Pranavi T-4 with Five Holes to Play, Diksha T-21 in Round 1 of Joburg Open

Next Story

The Paradise’ Makers Deny Rumors, Reaffirm Film’s Progress

Latest from India News

US Backs India’s Hunt for Pahalgam Terrorists

Gabbard’s “hunt down” message comes amidst escalating Indian response to the terrorist attack, saying it had clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

India Praises UAE’s Global AI Benchmark 

Kaustubh Dhavse, Maharashtra CM’s OSD, hailed the UAE’s AI model as a global benchmark driving digital innovation and attracting global talent…reports Asia Lite News Kaustubh Dhavse, Joint Secretary and Officer on Special

India, Saudi Hold Inaugural Army Staff Talks 

A key highlight of the talks was the exploration of collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies.  The inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army and the

Wagah Busy with Exiting Visitors

After the sudden developments, at the Attari-Wagah Border, the stream of Pakistani tourists was observed seeking urgent clarity and assistance….reports Asian Lite News Following the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Blistering Batting Seals 67-Run Victory Over Delhi Capitals

Head pulled Lalit Yadav for back-to-back backfoot sixes, before cutting

SKY’s Unbeaten Ton Sinks Sunrisers

Suryakumar’s unbeaten 102 was studded with 12 boundaries and six