Venkatesh Iyer’s all-round show helped Madhya Pradesh beat Chandigarh by five runs in the 2021-22 Vijay 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 way 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. 👏 👏 #MPvUTCA #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/iiow2ATC2n
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 12, 2021
The 26-year-old had made it clear that 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 began 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 make it to the national team.
