Cricket
Venkatesh Iyer dedicates century to Rajinikanth on his birthday: Watch
Venkatesh Iyer, who is set to be included in India's ODI squad for the South Africa series, celebrated his 100 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Sunday by paying a special tribute to his 'inspiration'.
Venkatesh Iyer gestures after reaching his century against Chandigarh on Sunday (Screenshot)
Venkatesh Iyer cracked 151 off 113 balls for Madhya Pradesh against Chandigarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Sunday, paying a special tribute to popular screen actor Rajinikanth on the way.
Coming in to bat at number six, Iyer went on to hit 151 from 113 balls helping Madhya Pradesh pile 331-9 in their 50 overs. Batting at a strike-rate of 133.63, Iyer smashed eight fours and ten sixes. He was dismissed by Sandeep Sharma. Before that though, there was a cinematic moment on the field as Iyer reached his century.
A video of Iyer paying a tribute to Rajinikanth by trying to imitate the superstar's iconic move with sunglasses upon reaching his century was shared by BCCI and his Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
READ | Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad set to be included in India ODI squad for South Africa series
Iyer had said on a previous interview that he considers Rajinikanth as a 'once-in-a-lifetime inspiration'.
Iyer is set to be part of the Indian ODI squad for the series in South Africa, with his recent form and his ability to bowl 10 overs having pushed back Hardik Pandya as the premier seam-bowling all-rounder in the side.
