During the tournament opener of the Indian Premier League season 18, the spectators experienced a roller-coaster of emotions. After the early fall of Quinton de Kock’s wicket, Ajinkya Rahane played a monstrous innings but was ultimately dismissed by Krunal Pandya. After his dismissal, vice-captain for the KKR, Venkatesh Iyer arrived at the crease. Krunal Pandya spotted Venkatesh Iyer without his helmet during playing action so he immediately pursued an opportunity to exploit this weakness of being unable to play bouncers.
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Surprising Bouncer
Fast in his thinking, Pandya adapted his bowling approach to attack Iyer with a sudden bouncer since the batsman had no helmet protection. Pandya displayed keen bowling intelligence through his awareness of Iyer’s exposed head and his willingness to turn it into a strategic advantage on the field. The quick comprehension of Pandya’s delivery approach by Iyer allowed him to avoid getting hit by Pandya’s plan. The pitch of the ball travelled toward the leg before the umpire declared it as illegal ball. The team owes credit to wicketkeeper Jitesh for his rightward leap which stopped four potential extra runs.
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Dismissed All ‘Dangers’
Just before his next dismissal Iyer witnessed the cricket gamesmanship which occurred during the preceding legal delivery. Iyer aimed to put on his helmet after this standoff however his hastiness proved fatal when Pandya delivered a flatter delivery to remove him. The sixth run of his seven-ball innings ended when Iyer tried a wristy stroke and accidentally knocked his stumps to get out. He has earlier dismissed captain Ajinkya Rahane on 56 runs and later bowled Rinku Singh on 12 runs. He sparred 29 runs in his 4 over spell by taking 3 crucial wickets.
