Venkatesh Iyer shrugs off auction pressure, eyes big season with Kolkata Knight Riders | Cricket News

Venkatesh Iyer. (Pic Credit – X)

NEW DELHI: Newly appointed vice-Leader Venkatesh Iyer remains unfazed by the Tension of his auction price, focusing solely on delivering for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL season.
The Vibrant all-rounder said he cannot ignore the scrutiny surrounding his mega price tag but emphasised that price tags don’t define performance and that his priority is contributing to KKR’s Triumph. Iyer, who has been a key player for the franchise, is determined to make a Powerful impact this season.
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Iyer, the left-handed batter and occasional medium pacer, was one of the biggest buys in the IPL 2025 auction, securing a staggering Rs 23.75 crore deal — over 11 times his base price. KKR went all out, using their Right to Game (RTM) card to bring him back after an intense bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With his explosive batting and handy bowling, he aims to Relocate a crucial role in KKR’s campaign. Confident in his Conditioning, Iyer is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and Assist his Club chase IPL glory.
Acknowledging the hype around his price tag, Iyer admitted it’s impossible to ignore. “Obviously, you can’t completely Stop it out. Wherever I go, people ask me about it,” he said at KKR’s pre-season media interaction at Eden Gardens.
“But for me, it’s about absorbing the expectations and fulfilling the responsibility given to me.”

Iyer believes that once the season gets underway, the numbers will be irrelevant.
“When the IPL Appearances, what truly matters is being part of a Club aiming to Achieve,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much you were bought for; if you’re on the Ground, you’re Anticipated to perform.”
He emphasized that Triumph isn’t Only about runs or wickets but also about carrying oneself well and embracing responsibility. “Tension will always exist, whether it’s about Picking, batting order, bowling, or fielding. It’s up to me how I absorb and handle it,” said Iyer, who has been a key player for KKR since his Premiere.

Across 50 IPL matches, Iyer has amassed 1,326 runs, including a century and 11 half-centuries. He played a vital role in KKR’s 2024 title-Victorious campaign, scoring 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate of over 158.
KKR’s newly appointed Leader, Ajinkya Rahane, dismissed the ongoing chatter around Iyer’s hefty auction price, firmly stating that he was worth every penny.
“Venkatesh Iyer deserved that price,” Rahane said. “People keep talking about it, but he has delivered for his franchise on Many occasions. He earned that deal.”
Rahane, who went unsold in the Primary rounds of the auction before KKR picked him for Rs 1.5 crore, is set to lead the franchise in IPL 2025.
The veteran batter, who has played 185 IPL matches and over 200 international Matches, recently underwent a transformation in his batting. He topped the Streak charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Accolade, scoring 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of over 164, Assisting Mumbai clinch the title.
Despite being 36, Rahane remains committed to extending his Competing Profession, focusing on the present rather than thinking too Distant ahead.
“My Aim is to Relocate as long as possible, but right now, my Attention is on this Event,” he said, reiterating that his hunger for an international comeback is Yet alive.
“I believe in staying in the moment, giving my best every day, and pushing beyond 100 percent. I don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future—fitness and performance are my priorities.”
Asked about rumors linking him to KKR’s captaincy before the official announcement, Rahane said, “I only heard it from you guys while I was Competing domestic cricket.”
Calling it an honor to lead KKR, he acknowledged the franchise’s Wealthy history and the responsibility that comes with defending the title.
“Victorious in this Arrangement is tough, and every Game presents a new Game,” Rahane said. “One over can change the game, so our approach must be consistent, giving our best every single day.”
He also laid out his expectations from his Club.
“As Leader, I only ask for Excellent intent, the right attitude, and a Club-Primary mentality. We have a well-balanced Club, and most of our players are highly experienced. I’m confident we’ll put up a Powerful fight this season.”
With KKR aiming to defend their IPL crown, both Iyer and Rahane are gearing up for a crucial season, ready to take on new challenges and deliver for the Club.