Why Did KKR Spend 23.75 Crore on Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a bold decision to spend Rs 23.75 Crore on Venkatesh Iyer. This move highlighted their calculated strategy of retaining their core player from their title-winning squad. Apart from the rise of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, that lowers the value of multi-skilled players. KKR decided to go big on Venkatesh Iyer, this pricing had an impact on the lowered value of players such as Mitchell Marsh and Shardul Thakur.
KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore explained KKR’s strategy of retaining core players, ensuring 9 of the 11 title-winning squad members return for IPL 2025. This means they have a squad, strong enough to defend their title for the IPL 2025. What does Venkatesh provide for this value?
Venkatesh Iyer Performance in IPL
Venkatesh Iyer has become a crucial asset for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since making his IPL debut for them in 2021. His ability to accelerate the run rate, combined with consistent performances under pressure, has made him a nightmare for bowlers. Iyer boasts a T20 strike rate of over 135, and his IPL stats reflect his impact — scoring 370 runs in 2021 at an average of 41.11 and following up with 404 runs in 2023 and 370 in 2024.
With one century and 11 fifties in his IPL career, his performances have cemented his place in KKR’s core. Dwayne Bravo, KKR’s mentor, praised the team’s decision to spend Rs 23.75 crore on him, emphasizing his pivotal role in the squad. From being bought for just Rs 20 lakh in 2021 to becoming one of KKR’s cornerstones, Iyer’s journey has been remarkable. His key knocks, including a half-century against Mumbai Indians and four fifties in his debut season, have proven invaluable to the team’s success.
Future Captain for Kolkata Knight Riders
As KKR lost their Captain Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings in the IPL Auction 2025, KKR might choose Venkatesh Iyer to lead the team for the IPL 2025. After completing four seasons with the franchise, Venkatesh Iyer knows the team dynamics very well and has experience working under their head coach Pandit. Under Pandit’s coaching, Kolkata Knight Riders ended their title drought in 2024 which lasted a decade. Venkatesh Iyer played a major role in their campaign for the title charge. With his experience and familiarity with the team, Venkatesh Iyer and his team KKR will defend their title in the IPL 2025.
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