VENKATESH IYER : LATEST NEWS

Venkatesh Iyer has been prominently in the news during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, particularly due to his hefty salary and fluctuating performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Purchased for a substantial Rs 23.75 crore ahead of the season, Iyer entered IPL 2025 with high expectations from fans and experts alike. However, his journey so far has been a mixed bag, sparking discussions about his form, fitness, and role within the KKR squad.

In IPL 2025, Iyer’s performance has come under scrutiny following KKR’s inconsistent showings on the field. Despite his impressive price tag, Iyer has struggled to consistently justify the investment with his batting. India TV News analyzed Iyer’s contributions this season, noting that while he displayed glimpses of his all-round capabilities, the overall impact has been below the expectations that come with such a high-profile contract. His form slump coincided with a tough phase for KKR’s batting lineup, which have collectively struggled to stabilize innings and build competitive totals.

The situation has prompted KKR to make some tough decisions regarding their playing XI. CricXtasy reported that Iyer was notably absent from the playing eleven for the IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This exclusion highlighted the challenges KKR management faces in balancing player fitness, form, and team strategy amid a demanding tournament schedule. Such decisions underscore the reality that regardless of salary, performance and team requirements are paramount in squad selections for the remainder of the season.

Ajinkya Rahane, one of KKR’s senior figures, has publicly supported Venkatesh Iyer amid the ongoing discussions about his price and contributions. Rahane emphasized that a player’s attitude, rather than the monetary value of their contract, is the crucial factor. In his post-match analysis following KKR’s exit from the tournament after a 105-run loss, Rahane dismissed the idea that Iyer was burdened by the price tag, instead attributing the inconsistent season to overall batting failures. This perspective adds a layer of support for Iyer, recognizing the pressures IPL players endure and the collective responsibility of the team’s batting unit.

Meanwhile, speculation about Iyer’s future with KKR is growing. NDTV Sports highlighted reports suggesting that KKR may consider releasing the Rs 23.75 crore buy at the end of the season if improvement is not seen. Such developments indicate that the franchise is evaluating the long-term value and fit of high-investment players like Iyer as it aims to build a balanced and winning team. Fans and cricket analysts alike will be closely watching whether Iyer can bounce back in forthcoming seasons or if this spell signifies a turning point in his IPL career.

In summary, Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign has been a noteworthy story of high expectations tempered by inconsistent performances and team challenges. With senior players like Ajinkya Rahane voicing their backing and the franchise making strategic decisions regarding his role, Iyer’s journey epitomizes the pressures faced by big-money players in the world’s premier T20 league. As the IPL season progresses, all eyes remain on Iyer to see if he can translate his potential into match-winning consistency for KKR.