Venkatesh Iyer on KKR's Win Over SRH in IPL 2025

Venkatesh Iyer Dissects KKR’s Tactical Brilliance in Dominant Win Over SRH

In a clinical dismantling of Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 4, 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders once again showed why they remain one of the smartest T20 sides in the Indian Premier League. The 80-run win wasn’t just a show of firepower it was a masterclass in tactical execution. Leading from the front with the bat, Venkatesh Iyer, KKR’s vice-captain, provided clarity about how the team balances aggression with match awareness, laying bare the thinking behind one of IPL 2025’s most composed team performances yet.

Coming in with the pressure of rebuilding after an early loss of wickets, Iyer scored a fluent 60 off 29 balls, laced with 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. His innings wasn’t just about brute strength, though. It was about timing both in shot selection and in pacing the innings. Speaking after the match, Iyer stressed that aggression in modern T20 cricket has evolved, and success lies in showing “positive but correct intent.”

Aggression, But with Purpose

“Positive intent doesn't mean swinging at every delivery,” Iyer clarified. “If we are 50 for six and I still go and tonk everything, that’s positive but not correct.” That line summed up Kolkata’s approach on the night and their larger ethos under new skipper Ajinkya Rahane. There’s an obvious contrast here with SRH’s all-out attacking batting approach, which cost them dearly when chasing a steep 200-run target.

The idea of “smart aggression” was reflected in how KKR built their innings. Iyer credited his partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi (who made 50) and guidance from Ajinkya Rahane, who contributed 38, as crucial elements of the planning. The trio communicated during a strategic timeout that the Eden pitch wasn’t one to hit through the line. Adjusting their plans, they targeted the spinners while rotating strike consistently, building a platform for the finishers.

KKR’s Batting Blueprint

The foundation laid by Iyer and Raghuvanshi allowed KKR to accelerate during the final overs. With Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and the ever-dangerous Andre Russell waiting in the wings, the team had the luxury to bide time and then explode. “I have that luxury,” said Iyer, referring to the depth of the batting order. “Even if I take a few balls, I know that we still have our engine room that can demolish any bowling attack.”

This structure of batting in phases building, consolidating, and then exploding is what makes KKR one of the most dangerous teams on good batting days. And unlike some teams that rely heavily on top-order fireworks, KKR’s depth means they are never out of the game, even when early wickets fall.

Reading the Opponent

While KKR’s batting was smart, their bowling was ruthless. Defending 200, they kept the ball tight and let the large Eden Gardens boundaries do the rest. SRH, known for their all-or-nothing style this season, faltered badly. They were bowled out for 120 in just 16.4 overs. The bowling attack was led by Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy, who picked up three wickets apiece.

“We’re not comfortable with any score when it comes to SRH,” Iyer admitted. “A team which is ultra-aggressive always carries the risk of losing wickets, and that’s what we wanted to exploit.”

That exploitation came through well-executed bowling plans tight lengths, varied pace, and discipline. The spinners particularly targeted SRH’s middle order, who have been inconsistent against quality spin.

Facing Mohammed Shami: A Test of Skill and Spirit

An interesting subplot in the game was the return of Mohammed Shami for SRH after a prolonged injury layoff. Iyer, who faced Shami during the recent Ranji Trophy season as well, expressed genuine admiration for the Indian pacer. “The cricket fan in me is very happy to see Shami Bhai back,” he said. “It was extremely challenging to play him in the Ranji Trophy as well, but in T20 cricket, it becomes a game of small margins.”

While Shami showed flashes of rhythm, the lack of support from the rest of the bowling attack exposed SRH’s dependency on individual brilliance rather than cohesive bowling strategies. It was a stark contrast to KKR’s all-round bowling unit that worked in sync with the conditions.

A Message Beyond the Scoreboard

This win was more than just two points on the IPL table. It was a message: KKR aren’t here to win games with brute strength alone they’re here with brains, balance, and belief. With Ajinkya Rahane at the helm and players like Venkatesh Iyer buying into a larger vision, the Knight Riders look more evolved, patient, and adaptable than many of their rivals this season.

What sets them apart isn’t just skill. It’s clarity. As Iyer said, “It’s not about just going out and hitting. It’s about understanding the conditions and maximizing them in your favour.” And when you do that with a calm head, big wins like this 80-run victory over SRH become a reflection of process, not luck.

With this performance, KKR moves forward in IPL 2025 with momentum, maturity, and a message to every other side in the tournament: this isn’t just a team of hitters it’s a team that understands the game.