NEW DELHI: Newly appointed vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer remains unfazed by the pressure of his auction price, focusing solely on delivering for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL season.
The dynamic 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 success. Iyer, who has been a key player for the franchise, is determined to make a strong 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 auctionsecuring a staggering Rs 23.75 crore deal — over 11 times his base price. KKR went all out, using their Right to Match (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 play a crucial role in KKR’s campaign. Confident in his preparation, Iyer is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and help his team chase IPL glory.
Acknowledging the hype around his price tag, Iyer admitted it’s impossible to ignore. “Obviously, you can’t completely block 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 begins, what truly matters is being part of a team aiming to win,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much you were bought for; if you’re on the field, you’re expected to perform.”
He emphasized that success isn’t just about runs or wickets but also about carrying oneself well and embracing responsibility. “Pressure will always exist, whether it’s about selection, 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 debut.
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-winning campaign, scoring 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate of over 158.
KKR’s newly appointed captain, 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 multiple occasions. He earned that deal.”
Rahane, who went unsold in the initial 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 games, recently underwent a transformation in his batting. He topped the run charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 469 runs at an average of 58.62 and a strike rate of over 164, helping Mumbai clinch the title.
Despite being 36, Rahane remains committed to extending his playing career, focusing on the present rather than thinking too far ahead.
“My goal is to play as long as possible, but right now, my focus is on this tournament,” he said, reiterating that his hunger for an international comeback is still 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 playing domestic cricket.”
Calling it an honor to lead KKR, he acknowledged the franchise’s rich history and the responsibility that comes with defending the title.
“Winning in this format is tough, and every match presents a new challenge,” 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 team.
“As captain, I only ask for good intent, the right attitude, and a team-first mentality. We have a well-balanced squad, and most of our players are highly experienced. I’m confident we’ll put up a strong 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 team.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
