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Venkatesh Iyer has the aspiration to feature for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite the franchise releasing him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. KKR had signed the batter for an enormous fee of INR 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, but ended up relaesing him from the team after just one season. He was among other notable players like Andre Russell (INR 12 crore), Quinton de Kock (INR 3.6 crore) and Anrich Nortje (INR 6.5 crore) who were released by the franchise.
Though Iyer wasn't able to justify his gigantic price tag with his performances during IPL 2025, he still hopes to play for KKR even after being released. He wants to win an IPL title with the franchise and is hopeful of bringing more glory to the already three-time champions.
“For players like us, it's the opportunity to play in the IPL. It doesn't matter which team I play for. I will put my best foot forward. If I have to ask my heart, I would still want to play for KKR. I won one championship with KKR. I want to continue the legacy. I want to bring more glory to KKR. Because they have shown so much faith in me,” Iyer told CricTracker in an interview.
Iyer open to play for any of the 10 teams
Iyer remarked that if not KKR, then he is open to play for any of the other nine franchises. He added that he will be giving his best wherever he goes and will not contribute with just the bat and ball, but also with his leadership skills.
“If not KKR, then anywhere else. Everyone knows that wherever I go, I will look to give my best. Not just in terms of my batting or bowling, but also, I can contribute in terms of leadership and suggestions to the captain,” Iyer added.
Iyer's numbers in IPL
The left-hand batter has so far played five seasons in the IPL and has represented KKR in every single one of them. Iyer has featured in a total of 62 matches in the tournament, scoring 1462 runs at an average of 29.95. Last season proved to be a huge disappointment for him as he finished with just 142 runs in 11 matches, recording just one 50+ score.
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