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Venkatesh Iyer makes strong statement to become next KKR captain with stunning all-round show to help Madhya Pradesh qualify for SMAT semi-finals

KKR roped the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer back into their side by spending a whopping 23.75 crores.

Nikhil

• Wed • 11 Dec 2024

Venkatesh Iyer in frame

Highlights:

Venkatesh Iyer joined KKR for 23.75 crores.

He is one of the candidate to become next KKR captain.

Iyer's all-round show helped Madhya Pradesh reach SMAT semi-final.

Madhya Pradesh advanced to the semi-final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024–25 with the help of a stunning performance from Venkatesh Iyer at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur, on December 11 (Wednesday). Iyer first picked up 2/23 with the ball to limit Saurashtra to 173/7, showcasing his versatility. To end Saurashtra's innings, the right-arm seamer removed Sammar Gajjar and Ruchit Ahir in the fifteenth and seventeenth overs, respectively.

Iyer helps Madhya Pradesh reach final

They won by six wickets thanks to Iyer's game-winning cameo later with the bat. With his team at 62/2 after 7.1 overs, the southpaw came into bat and held one end while forming vital partnerships with Subhranshu Senapati (24), captain Rajat Patidar (28), and Harpreet Singh (22*). Iyer smashed two fours and as many sixes to score 38* (33) not out.

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Iyer was named Player of the Match, and Madhya Pradesh became the first side to reach the tournament's semi-final after chasing down the mark in 19.2 overs. With 210 runs from eight innings at an average of 70 and a strike rate of 161.53, the all-rounder has been in outstanding form during the current campaign. He took four wickets with the ball in eight games at an economy rate of 9.07 and an average of 31.75.

Venkatesh Iyer breaks big deal with KKR in IPL 2025 mega auction

Venkatesh Iyer, who has been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders camp for the last 4 years was not one of the retained names for the franchise and had to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, even during the bidding wars, the reigning champions KKR ensured that they got Iyer back into their group.

KKR roped the all-rounder back into their side by spending a whopping 23.75 crores. He has been one of the core players for the franchise in the past couple of years and now is also one of the candidates to lead the side in the 2025 edition of the IPL. With the franchise not having any confirmed name to be their captain, experts have been speculating that Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane can be the top players to take up that role.