Venkatesh Iyer is a professional Indian cricketer who plays for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With his outstanding performance, the Kolkata Knight Riders batsman led the team to the IPL championship in 2024. He also played a huge part in the team’s 2021 campaign where they were the runners-up.

In addition to his professional success, Iyer once gained national attention for his sly comment on a Telugu starlet’s post.

Venkatesh Iyer and Priyanka Jawalkar dating rumors

With his Instagram comment, KKR’s star Iyer became widely discussed. 

A heated debate regarding whether Telugu actress Priyanka Jawalkar was the girlfriend of Iyer broke out after he left a comment on Jawalkar’s photo on Instagram.

Venkatesh Iyer commented on Priyanka Jawalkar’s post (Source: jawalkar/Instagram)

The actress posted a beautiful picture of herself with the caption “Boo” to her official Instagram account, smiling and hiding behind some curtains.

Iyer, in the meantime, added a statement that later prompted dating rumors. On the Telugu actress’ photo, he wrote “Cute!!,” to which she responded, “Who? You?”

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A post shared by Priyanka Jawalkar (@jawalkar)

Fans of the player couldn’t help but gush at the thought of romance blooming between the two, judging by Jawalkar’s response to his comment.

However, Iyer and Jawalkar did not respond to the rumors.

As of now, the rumors seem to be false, as Iyer got married to his girlfriend-turned-wife Shruti Raghunathan in May 2024.

Venkatesh Iyer married Shruti Raghunathan in 2024

Venkatesh Iyer and Shruti Raghunathan at their wedding. (Photo: Instagram)

On May 31, 2024, Venkatesh Iyer and Shruti Raghunathan celebrated their marriage in a ceremony marked by its intimacy and elegance. The wedding, held in the presence of their closest family and friends, was a deeply personal affair, reflecting the couple’s desire for a meaningful and private event. 

The couple had become engaged in November 2023, and their engagement had been met with great excitement and anticipation from their loved ones. The lead-up to the wedding was filled with joy and planning as the couple prepared for this significant milestone in their lives.

Following the wedding, Iyer took to social media to share his happiness and reflect on the day. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “Everything I ever imagined…”

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A post shared by Venkatesh R Iyer (@venky_iyer)

His post was accompanied by a series of exquisite wedding photographs showcasing the couple’s radiant smiles and the magical moments of their special day. The pictures highlighted the elegance of the occasion, capturing the essence of their love and the joy of their union.

Venkatesh Iyer’s domestic career explored

Iyer made his Twenty20 debut in March 2015 at Holkar Stadium against the Railways cricket side.

In December of the same year, Iyer, studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree, made his List A debut against the Saurashtra cricket team at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

He decided to drop out of college after clearing the CA Intermediate exams and enrolled in a Master of Business Administration in finance to continue playing cricket.

On December 6, 2018, the cricketer made his Madhya Pradesh first-class debut during the Ranji Trophy for the 2018–19 season.

With 155 runs averaging 51.66, Iyer ended as Madhya Pradesh’s leading scorer in the 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL and international journey

Iyer was bought by the KKR in the IPL auction in February 2021 before the 2021 Indian Premier League. 

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A post shared by Venkatesh R Iyer (@venky_iyer)

He made his IPL debut on September 20, 2021, the first day the IPL resumed in the United Arab Emirates against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The Madhya Pradesh player became a vital member of the KKR team for the remainder of the competition, contributing to their run to the championship game by scoring 370 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 129.

He scored 55 runs in the second qualifier earning player of the match honors and added another half-century in the championship game.

The Indore native was requested to remain in the UAE to join India’s 2021 ICC T20 World Cup squad as a net bowler. He was selected for India’s Twenty20 International (T20I) team for their series against New Zealand in November 2021.

On November 17, 2021, he played his first T20 International for India against New Zealand. In the series’ last game, he made his international bowling debut with figures of 3-0-12-1.

Iyer was named to India’s One Day International (ODI) team for their series against South Africa in December 2021. On January 19, 2022, he made his ODI debut for India against South Africa.

He was selected for the India T20I team’s series against the West Indies in January 2022. After a few months, in June, Iyer was named in India’s T20I squad to play against Ireland.

In the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Iyer played a pivotal role in leading his team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), to victory and securing the IPL title. As a top-order batsman, Iyer was instrumental throughout the tournament, amassing a total of 370 runs.

His performance in the IPL 2024 final was particularly noteworthy and crucial to his team’s success. In the high-stakes match, he delivered an exceptional innings, scoring an unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls.

Keep reading Glamour Buff for more stories like this!

Baseball, often hailed as America’s pastime, is steeped in a rich tradition and history that spans well over a century. Central to this history are intense rivalries that ignite passion in players and fans alike.

These rivalries are more than just annual matchups; they embody a deep-seated competition and a clash of cultures, showcasing the heart and soul of Major League Baseball. From historic battles to modern-day showdowns, the significance of these rivalries goes beyond the diamond, weaving into the very fabric of the sport. 

Below, we will delve into the histories of five of the most famous MLB rivalries, exploring how they began, key moments that have defined them, and their impact on the legacy of baseball.

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees’ and Boston Red Sox’s rivalry is among the most storied in Major League Baseball history. Dating back over a century, it was ignited by the 1919 sale of Babe Ruth from the Red Sox to the Yankees, an event believed to have started the “Curse of the Bambino.” 

While the Yankees have earned 27 World Series titles, the Red Sox broke their 86-year championship drought with a historic comeback in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees. This intense rivalry is marked by fierce competition on the field and high-stakes drama off it, captivating fans and shaping the sport’s landscape.

Keeping an eye on the Baseball Game Odds can provide an insightful edge for those interested in predicting the outcomes of these thrilling matchups.

Whether played at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park, games between the Yankees and Red Sox are major events, drawing extensive media coverage and immense fan interest. As each season unfolds, the rivalry continues to be a compelling aspect of baseball, exemplifying the spirit and excitement of the sport.

Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Another well-known MLB rivalry involves two teams from the East Coast, but the greatest one is in the heartland. The competition between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs extends beyond baseball.

This is a battle for supremacy between two cities separated by merely 300 miles. It’s often dubbed the Route 66 or I-55 rivalry, named after the highways that link them. Despite being in different states, with the Cubs based in Illinois and the Cardinals in Missouri, the most intense fan competition occurs in Illinois. 

Most people support the Cubs (or White Sox) in northern Illinois, while southern Illinois leans towards the Cardinals. Many inhabitants of rural Illinois find themselves stuck in the middle of this rivalry, which reflects a broader competitive spirit between the two cities.

In the late 1800s, St. Louis was a prosperous port city on the Mississippi River and a crucial hub for westward trade, overshadowing Chicago. The city even inspired the Gateway Arch symbol. However, St. Louis made a critical error by dismissing railroads as a fad, betting instead on the perpetual importance of river trade. 

Consequently, railroads were built through Chicago, leading to its rapid growth and economic dominance. By 1901, this shift was starkly highlighted when Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago River to send its sewage down to St. Louis, further driving a wedge between the two cities.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants

The “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in 1951 remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments, echoing the sport’s history. Clayton Kershaw’s impressive career 1.88 ERA against his team’s biggest rival continues haunting Bay Area fans. 

The notorious 1965 altercation, in which Juan Marichal swung a bat at catcher Johnny Roseboro, underscores the fierce rivalry between these teams every time they meet. 

The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry marks its 133rd season this week. The rivalry remains thrilling as the two teams prepare to face each other for the first time in 2022, following a historic 2021 NL West race and their first postseason meeting in the modern era. 

The Giants achieved a franchise record with 107 wins in a single season, yet the Dodgers emerged victorious in the postseason. This continues a pattern: no other professional sports rivalry is as evenly matched as this one.

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The rivalry between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies is among the most engaging in Major League Baseball history. Stemming from their geographical and divisional proximity, this competition has delivered many unforgettable moments since the Mets joined the National League in 1962. 

Both teams have had their dominant periods, intensifying the rivalry. Key highlights include the dramatic games of the 1980s and the high-stakes clashes of the late 2000s. Notably, in 2007 and 2008, the Mets’ collapses allowed the Phillies to capture the National League East title, heightening the tension. 

The rivalry is further amplified by passionate fans whose fervent support creates a playoff-like atmosphere during regular-season games.

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians

The rivalry between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Cleveland Indians, is a storied and intense matchup in MLB history. Originating in the early 20th century, this rivalry has been marked by countless memorable moments and legendary players. 

The rivalry has only intensified over time, from the early competitive play to heated encounters in the 1940s and 1950s featuring pitchers like Bob Feller and Hal Newhouser. 

The 1990s saw another surge, with players like Kenny Lofton and Albert Belle for Cleveland and Travis Fryman and Cecil Fielder for Detroit. The 2007 tie-breaker game was a recent highlight, epitomizing the enduring competitive spirit between the two teams.

Conclusion

These five famous MLB rivalries illustrate the rich tapestry of competition that has shaped Major League Baseball. Each rivalry carries its unique history, characterized by monumental moments, legendary players, and passionate fan bases that elevate the sport to a theatrical level.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer was recently selected for England’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 1 until 29. 

England are currently the third odds-on favourite to win the competition outright, behind Australia, the second odds-on favourite, and India, the odds-on favourites, meaning England have a good chance of winning. 

With their 29-year-old secret weapon, Archer, they could very well come out on top this year. 

Here is a closer look at why Jofra Archer’s return from injury and inclusion in the squad is a massive boost for the England national cricket team. 

Who is Jofra Archer?

Jofra Archer is a 29-year-old men’s professional cricketer who was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, in April 1995 but holds British citizenship through his father. 

The right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler has played on and off for the England men’s national side since making his debut against Australia in August 2019. Throughout his career, he has achieved the following statistics:

• Played: 13 Test Cricket matches. Balls bowled: 2,609. Bowling average: 31.04. Best bowling: 6/45
• Played: 21 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Balls bowled: 1,139. Bowling average: 21.73. Best bowling: 6/40
• Played: 16 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Balls bowled: 372. Bowling average: 24.66. Best bowling: 4/33
• Played: 43 First-Class cricket matches. Balls bowled: 8,856. Bowling average: 24.91. Best bowling: 7/67

In 2019, he was part of the team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup, and at the domestic level, he has played for Sussex (2016-present), the Khulna Titans (2017), the Hobart Hurricanes (2017/8, and 2018/19), the Rajasthan Royals (2018 – 2021), MI Cape Town (2022/23), and the Mumbai Indians (2023). 

Injuries throughout his career have plagued Archer, significantly reducing the number of games he should have played for club and country. His major recurring injury is ongoing issues with his right elbow, for which he has undergone two operations. 

He’s now back from his latest issue and will be looking to help take England all the way. The other two England bowlers England can choose from should Archer’s injury return during the world cup are Reece Topley and Mark Wood. 

However, these two are also prone to recurring injuries. 

If all three can stay in top shape and have a bit of luck on their side, there’s a good chance that England will win. Most experts and fans agree that Archer’s inclusion will strengthen the squad as he is a multi-phase bowler. 

Some of his talents include his ability to catch the batters off guard by bowling yorkers, and he can quickly adjust to bowling fast with the new ball, delivering lightning-fast bowls during an innings for just one or two overs if required. 

Can England win the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup if Jofra Archer can remain injury-free?

The quickest, easiest, and most accurate way to find out if England can win the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held for the first time at venues across the United States and the West Indies, would be to check ENG vs IND match odds on India’s most trusted online bookmaker. 

The official 10cricbet site is known for having some of the iGaming industry’s most competitive cricket betting odds, and the betting markets for the upcoming world cup are already open. You will also soon be able to place live bets (aka in-play bets) as the tournament matches unfold. 

Here are the latest odds for the top five favourites. These odds are displayed in all three formats (decimal, fractional, and American/moneyline odds), along with the IPR (implied probability rate) of each team winning the tournament outright:

• Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: India (odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 3.60. Fractional odds: 13/5. American/moneyline odds: +260. Implied probability rate (IPR): 27.80%
• Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: Australia (second odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 4.25. Fractional odds: 13/4. American/moneyline odds: +325. IPR: 23.50%
• Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: England (third odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 6.50. Fractional odds: 11/2. American/moneyline odds: +550. IPR: 15.40%
• Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: South Africa (fourth odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 7.00. Fractional odds: 6/1. American/moneyline odds: +600. IPR: 14.30%

In other words, it’s looking fairly close between the top three favourites. Twenty teams are competing, and the two least favourites to win this year are Canada and Uganda. 

Also competing are the United States, the West Indies, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Scotland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 

When does the tournament start?

The opening game of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup will be on Sunday, June 2, when host nation the United States play Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. 

The second game of the tournament is the following day, June 3, when the joint-host nation (the West Indies) play Papua New Guinea at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. 

England’s first game is against Scotland on Wednesday, June 5, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. England and Scotland are both in Group B with Australia, Namibia, and Oman. 

Final thoughts

England may have Jofra Archer as their secret weapon, but he won’t be the tournament’s only secret weapon. For example, India has Virat Kohli. Pakistan has Babar Azam. Afghanistan have Rashid Khan, and the West Indies have Andre Russell. 

There’s also Adam Zampa for Australia, Finn Allen for New Zealand, Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka, Gerald Coetzee for South Africa, and Shakib Al Hasan. 

That’s not forgetting several other key players who will also be worth keeping an eye on throughout the tournament, such as Jos Butler (England), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), and Jasprit Bumrah (India). 

If you decide to place a wager on the upcoming world cup, only do so on fully licensed and regulated Indian online sports betting sites like 10cricbet. To ensure you don’t exceed your initial budget, start by setting a reasonable one before depositing. 

This trusted Indian iGaming site can be accessed from most Wi-Fi/internet-connected deposit computers and mobile devices (e.g., laptops, PCs, smartphones and tablets), provided you are 18 or above.