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Two Ducks & A Four: Venkatesh Iyer Continues To Fail In KKR's Intra-Squad Practice Games

Venkatesh Iyer is a cause of concern for KKR ahead of IPL 2024 [X.com]Venkatesh Iyer is a cause of concern for KKR ahead of IPL 2024 [X.com]

Despite rejoining the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the back of a successful domestic season with Madhya Pradesh, Venkatesh Iyer has emerged as an untimely worry for the two-time champions heading into the IPL 2024. 

The KKR batting all-rounder has faltered repeatedly in the franchise's pre-season intra-squad games held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Venkatesh endured three poor failures in KKR's practice matches on Wednesday (March 20), being dismissed for scores of 0, 0, 4 and 17. 

The tall left-hand batter hasn't been able to trouble the scorers in the build-up to KKR's opening game of the season against 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday (March 23) and must be a cause of concern for skipper Shreyas Iyer and mentor Gautam Gambhir. 


Venkatesh Iyer Falters During KKR's Pre-Season Practice Games 

Venkatesh was the third-highest run-scorer for Madhya Pradesh in their recent Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign with 547 runs made in eight games at an average of 45.58. The 29-year-old also kept an end tight with his useful medium-fast bowling and picked up eight wickets during the first-class season. 

His form would've been a source of encouragement for the KKR team management. However, in the last few days, Venkatesh has failed to give a befitting account of himself in the practice games organised within the group to assess each player before the first game in Kolkata against the Sunrisers. 

It would be interesting to see whether KKR management retain Venkatesh in their playing XI or consider alternative options available within the squad, including young U-19 and India A allrounder Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who has made the waves with his talent and promise. 

Venkatesh was KKR's second-highest scorer during IPL 2023 with his 404 runs arriving at a strike-rate of 145.84, including two fifties and a standout century against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI).