Kolkata Knight Riders’ star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer finally silenced his critics in style with a powerful knock of 60 runs off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
After a quiet start to the season, where he managed just 9 runs in his first two matches, Iyer came back with a bang to help KKR return to winning ways. The match-winning innings featured two sixes and six fours, including an explosive 19th over where he smashed 20 runs off SRH captain Pat Cummins.
KKR’s ₹23.75 Crore Man Responds to the Hype
Venkatesh Iyer had become the third-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, with KKR buying him back for ₹23.75 crore after releasing him post their title-winning season. Only Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) fetched higher bids.
Despite his consistent performance in previous seasons — scoring over 350 runs in every IPL except 2022 — the pressure and spotlight this year have been intense due to his price tag.
“Price Tag Doesn’t Decide My Game”: Iyer Speaks Out\
In the post-match press conference, Venkatesh addressed the growing expectations and criticism:
“Just because I’m the highest-paid cricketer in KKR doesn’t mean I have to score in every match. Once IPL starts, it doesn’t matter if you’re sold for ₹20 lakh or ₹20 crore. It’s about the impact you create.”
He also praised teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi for his performances and emphasized that cricket is a team sport, where contribution in tough situations is more important than just big scores.
“Yes, there’s some pressure, I won’t lie. But it’s not about money. It’s about how I can contribute to the team’s success,” he added.
Focused on the Game, Not the Bowler
Iyer also shared insights into his approach while facing top bowlers like Pat Cummins:
“I don’t focus on who is bowling. I just look at the field placement and what is being bowled. That’s all that matters.”
Venkatesh Iyer’s Stats in IPL 2025 So Far:
- Matches Played: 3
- Runs Scored: 69
- Strike Rate: 179.41
- Best Performance: 60 (29) vs SRH
Why This Matters for KKR
With this aggressive comeback, Iyer has not only proven his worth but also given KKR’s batting line-up a major boost as they look to continue their momentum in IPL 2025. His ability to perform under pressure and ignore external noise shows why he remains a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025, match highlights, and player insights.