Venkatesh Iyer, an all-rounder for Madhya Pradesh and India, is "definitely ready" to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) if given the opportunity. After releasing Shreyas Iyer, who took over as captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), the reigning champions are yet to name a new captain for their IPL 2025 campaign, where they will go against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22 in the tournament opener. Venkatesh who was bought back for a record INR 23.75 crore is reportedly one of the top candidates, along with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, although KKR has not yet announced their new captain.
Iyer on KKR captaincy
Iyer, 30, is excited for the experience even though he has never held a leadership position in competitive cricket.
"Definitely. Definitely, I'm ready. Again, I've always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader," Iyer told ESPNcricinfo
"You don't necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples. You need to be a good role model, both on and off the field, which I am doing right now in MP. I'm not the captain of the MP team, but my opinions are respected and I really love to be in an atmosphere where every individual - again, new or experienced, 20 lakhs, 20 crore, whatever - you just need to have the freedom to voice your opinion. Or you just need to have the freedom to give opinions and give suggestions and them to be taken in the right spirit. I've always wanted to be that person. And if captaincy comes my way, I would definitely want to do it. There's no ambiguity surrounded to this. I'll definitely do it, if it comes my way. There is no reason not to do it." he said.
In 2021, Iyer made his IPL debut and played a key role in improving KKR's performance that year. They lost four of their first six games, but they made a spectacular comeback, winning seven of their next nine games to go to the final. Although Iyer's position at the head of the order contributed to the surge, his function has subsequently changed. Last season, he moved down to No. 3 (and below) and has contributed with the ball when called upon. Iyer has scored 1326 runs at a strike rate of 137 for KKR overall in 51 games. He has only ever played for this one franchise.
The hectic Indian domestic schedule may be one of the reasons KKR has not named their skipper for the 2025 Indian Premier League. Iyer was one of several KKR players participating in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Madhya Pradesh lost to Mumbai in the final, at the time of the mega auction, which took place in late November. The Ranji Trophy final was held on February 26 after the second leg. Iyer expressed his satisfaction that KKR chose not to disturb the players throughout the domestic season. "It's good that they're giving players their space and letting them focus on domestic cricket. Whenever it comes, we'll see about it."
