The 2025 IPL Mega Auction delivered a major surprise as Venkatesh Iyer, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, returned to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. This massive bid, over 11 times his base price of ₹2 crore, came after an intense bidding war between KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Iyer, part of the capped all-rounders’ category, had previously debuted with KKR in 2021, and his return marks a significant investment for the franchise. With no Right-to-Match (RTM) cards left, KKR had to go all out to secure Iyer, demonstrating their belief in his potential.
Iyer’s Journey with KKR
Venkatesh Iyer first joined KKR in 2021, making an immediate impact by scoring over 350 runs in just 10 matches during his debut season, helping KKR reach the final against Chennai Super Kings. Over four IPL seasons, Iyer has played 51 matches, amassing 1,326 runs at a strike rate of 137.13 and picking up three wickets.
In 2023, he became only the second KKR batter, after Brendon McCullum, to score a century in the IPL. His heroics continued in 2024, where he played a pivotal role in KKR’s championship win over SunRisers Hyderabad by scoring an unbeaten 52 in the final.
Fans React after Iyer’s selection
KKR Never Goes For Foreign Captain
— गौतम् కృష్ణ) 🇿🇦🇳🇿 (@Rider_Gauti) November 25, 2024
In That Case Venkatesh Iyer Will Lead
But Venkatesh Iyer Ke Paas Experience Nahi Hai 😏
buying venkatesh iyer at 23 CR is too much 😀
— Hitman (@rs45209264) November 25, 2024
They want captain and no other option other than to go with Venkatesh Iyer
— Kirupa (@kirupakaran1515) November 25, 2024
Iss baar nahi jeet sakti aur appreciate karne jaisa Kiya kya h 24 crore ka Venkatesh Iyer Starc ki jagah Nortje aur salt ki jagah Qdk
— Shivam 🇮🇳 (@cricketpremis) November 25, 2024
Venkatesh Iyer is a penny stock bought for a very high price !! KKR has gone bonkers !!
— le bohemien (@LBohemien38223) November 25, 2024
Jis bhagwan ne Venkatesh Iyer ko 23+ CR ka bikwa diya usne mere liye bhi kuch socha hi hoga. 🙂😭
— Yash. (@MallWrites) November 25, 2024
National Team and Future Prospects
Iyer’s brief stint with the Indian T20I and ODI teams in 2021 and 2022 saw him filling in as a backup for Hardik Pandya. During this time, he played nine T20Is and two ODIs, scoring 157 runs and taking five wickets. Despite limited opportunities at the international level, Iyer has remained a key figure in the IPL.
His ₹23.75 crore price tag at the 2025 auction not only underscores his value but also highlights the growing demand for impactful all-rounders in the league. As KKR’s highest-ever bid for a player, Iyer is set to play a crucial role in their campaign for the upcoming season.
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