Venkatesh Iyer’s all-round show helped Madhya Pradesh beat Chandigarh by five runs in the 2021-22 Vijaꦍy Hazare Trophy Elite Group D match in Rajkot on Sunday (December 12).
Iyer smashed a 113-ball 154 as MP amassed 331/9 in their stipulated 50 overs after electing to bat first. He then picked up 2/65 with his medium-pace bowing as Chandigarh could reach just 326 for the loss of eight wickets. Avesh Khan picked a three-wicket haul (3/72) for 🅘the winners.
Iyer, who is a huge Rajnikanth fan, didn’t miss the opportunity to prove his loyalty to Tamil cinema’s biggest superstar. After completing his century, the southpaw paid a special tribute to Rajinikanth by pulling off his iconic salute.
Iyer also tried to copy the wa𝄹y Rajni wears his shades. His sweet gesture for Thalaivar soon became the talk of the town.
Here’s the video:
1⃣0⃣0⃣ up & going strong! 💪 💪
@ivenkyiyer2512 continues his superb run of form﷽. 👏 👏
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic)
The 26-year-old had made it clear tha൲t he is a die-hard Rajnikanth fan while speaking to ESPNCricinfo after his successful campaign at the UAE leg of IPL 2021.
“A Thalaivar devotee. I can watch his movies ‘n’ number of times. He is a legend,” Iyer was quoted as saying.
The Indore-born amassed 370 runs in IPL 2021 at a phenomenal average of 41.11 and played a key role in turning around Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) campaign, which had a terrible start when the tournament be✃gan in India.
As per media reports, Team India selectors are keeping a close watch on Iyer before they pick a 20-member squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Maharashtra opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is also in contention to m🧸ake it to 💎the national team.
