IPL 2023: 'He worked very hard on my batting ', KKR's Venkatesh Iyer dedicates IPL ton to Abhishek Nayar

Mumbai Indians must've won the game on Sunday but it was KKR's Venkatesh Iyer who scripted a comeback worthy of applause.

The 28-year-old southpaw dedicated his maiden IPL century which he completed in just 49 balls to Kolkata's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.

'One name worth mentioning here is Abhishek Nayar. He has worked with my batting day in and day out and not just batting, also my approach towards the game. I credit this century to him,' Iyer said in a post-match press conference.

Speaking of coaching staff, Venkatesh also spoke of KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit who is also his domestic coach, 'As far as Chandu sir goes, I have been working with him for three years and I am happy that his tactics are now at an international level.'

His blistering century also earned him the coveted orange cap and he currently also holds the record for the highest individual score of IPL 2023 so far.

Also Watch: From a forgettable IPL 2022 to KKR's top run-getter, Venkatesh Iyer has come a long way

An in-form Iyer suffered a setback last year when he fell off a staircase and broke his ankle, cutting short his domestic season.

He underwent a surgery and then spent many months at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to get back to his full fitness.

'IPL is a comeback tournament. I broke my left ankle six months back - the subtalar joint had come out - and it was a freakish accident. But I am fortunate to be under a system where the BCCI takes care of me,' he told the media after the match.

He added, 'A lot of doctors told me that I would not be able to run as fast as I normally would. I would feel disappointed but I am happy that I am back on the field and doing what I love the most and contributing to the team.'