"Venkatesh Iyer Denies Association with KKR's High Price Tag of 23.75 Crores Amidst Trade Speculation"
In the whirlwind of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, one player who captured attention was Venkatesh Iyer. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) splashed a record ₹23.75 crore to secure his services, third-highest in that year's auction. However, the high expectations that came with such a hefty price tag seemed to take a toll on Iyer's performance.
During IPL 2025, Iyer managed to score 142 runs in 11 innings, averaging 20.29. This performance, while not dismal, was underwhelming given the expectations. The pressure of the price tag and the scrutiny it brought was a topic of discussion. Iyer was dropped from the playing XI on a couple of occasions, and there were questions about his value and role on the team.
However, Iyer remained steadfast, dismissing the financial pressure as a factor affecting his game. He emphasised that he focuses on those who positively impact his life, having removed critics from his contact list to keep external noise at bay.
Injuries, too, seemed to have played a part in Iyer's performance during the season. He demonstrated resilience in domestic cricket, batting with an ankle injury in the Ranji Trophy. However, there is no direct mention of injuries significantly affecting his IPL 2025 campaign.
The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL, did not seem to have a direct impact on Iyer's role or performance during the 2025 season.
Post-2025, Iyer is looking to rebuild his bowling workload and eye a return to the Indian team. He feels that the Impact Player rule has limited his IPL growth. The price tag, however, he interprets as recognition of his journey in the game.
Iyer sees himself as a selfless team player, often sacrificing personal milestones for the team's success. He believes that impact matters more than raw statistics and understands the increased responsibility that comes with a high price tag. KKR management, he feels, shielded him from much of the noise surrounding the high price tag.
In a candid interview, Iyer stated, "At the end of the day, you are given 120 units to build a team. Once the team is built, it doesn't matter how many units you have spent on what. It is a team that has been made now, that's it."
As IPL 2026 approaches, fans and pundits alike eagerly await Iyer's comeback. With his resilience, focus, and unwavering faith, there is no doubt that Venkatesh Iyer will continue to be a force to reckon with in the world of cricket.
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