Pune, Dec. 16 -- Venkatesh Iyer starred for Madhya Pradesh (MP) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025, blasting a crucial 70 off 43 balls against Punjab to help his team post a commanding first-innings total of 225/8 at the DY Patil Academy, Ambi, Pune.

With Venkatesh Iyer and Harsh Gawali opening the batting, MP got off to a turbulent start as Harsh was dismissed in the third over after scoring a 10-ball seven. Iyer immediately assumed the role of the innings' architect. While other batters played their shots around him, Iyer resorted to rotation of the strike, particularly against Punjab's spin contingent.

His initial phase was marked by quick singles and timely boundaries, ensuring the momentum did not stall after the powerplay. ...