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The IPL 2025 auction was filled with surprises, but none more shocking than Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) record-breaking ₹23.75 crore bid for Venkatesh Iyer. This eye-popping purchase raises a big question: will Iyer step up as KKR’s new captain?
A Pricey Bet on Iyer
KKR’s decision to spend lavishly on Venkatesh Iyer signals their confidence in his potential. The franchise parted ways with their former skipper Shreyas Iyer, who joined Punjab Kings for a whopping ₹26.75 crore. While KKR retained stars like Rinku Singh (₹13 crore), Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell, the glaring gap in leadership remains unfilled. Enter Venkatesh Iyer—an explosive batsman, handy pacer, and a familiar face in the KKR setup.
Why Venkatesh Iyer Should Be Captain
Venkatesh Iyer has been a consistent performer for KKR, with 1326 runs across four IPL seasons, including a stellar 2024 campaign where he smashed four half-centuries at a strike rate of 158. He’s also proven his versatility with the ball, offering valuable overs in critical moments.
With his massive price tag and deep understanding of the franchise, Iyer is the natural choice to lead. His promotion could energize the squad and justify the trust KKR has placed in him. Additionally, his ability to stay calm under pressure could transform him into the leader KKR desperately needs.
The Squad at a Glance
KKR’s squad for IPL 2025 includes a mix of seasoned pros and young talent:
- Key Retentions: Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy
- Auction Picks: Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Moeen Ali, and Umran Malik
This well-rounded team is packed with firepower, but a leader like Iyer could be the glue that holds it all together.
Can Venkatesh Iyer lead KKR to their third IPL title? Watch IPL 2025 unfold as KKR bets big on a new era.
