In the 30th match of the 15th edition of IPL at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer, with a 85-run knock made off an unbelievable 51-ball effort, took his team step by step and chased down a very tough target of 218 runs set by the Rajasthan Royals.

The innings for KKR began on a disastrous note when Sunil Narine was run out on the very first ball after a mix-up with Aaron Finch. The fortunes changed, however, from the time Iyer came in to bat. Together with Finch, who made 58 off 28 balls, Iyer put together a crucial second-wicket partnership of 107 runs in just 8.5 overs.

Despite the dismissals of Nitish Rana (18 off 11) and the dangerous Andre Russell, who was sent back on a golden duck, Iyer continued his aggressive approach. His innings, laced with seven fours and four sixes, saw him dominate both pacers and spinners.

Are Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer Related?

With KKR needing 40 runs from the final four overs, Shreyas lost his teammate Venkatesh Iyer (6 off 7), who had been pushed down the batting order after previously opening for the team.

The two cricketers have no blood relation despite sharing the same last name. The only resemblance between them is one of having represented KKR in the IPL and the Indian national team.

Shreyas Iyer was born and brought up in Mumbai, having played for Mumbai and the West Zone, and then the Mumbai Cricket Association XI before making his international debut for India against New Zealand in November 2017.

On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer hails from Indore in Madhya Pradesh and has played interstate for his native state. He made his debut for India in November 2021, also against New Zealand.