Kolkata : Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent INR 23.75 crores to everyone’s surprise to bag Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 Mega auction on November 24 , 2024. Now as per multiple reports, he’s leading the race to become KKR’s captain for IPL 2025.
KKR didn’t retain their IPL 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer prior to auction. In auction too, they only bid for him till 10 crores, and he eventually went to Punjab Kings for 26.75 crores.
However, KKR CEO Venky Mysore went for left handed power hitter Venkatesh Iyer and bagged him for whooping 23.75 crores after all out bidding war against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This move drew wide spark criticisms from fans and experts.
KKR didn’t pick any proper Indian captaincy options, hence, all speculations drew towards Venkatesh Iyer to captain the side next season. As per multiple reports and KKR inside sources, it can be confirmed as Venkatesh to lead the purple army in IPL 2025.
He was also vice captain of the side in 2023 and led said that he’s ready to take the responsibility of leading the side.
“I had the opportunity to captain the side in Nitish Rana’s absence when he was unfortunately injured, and I was the vice-captain as well,” said Venkatesh.
“I’ve always believed that captaincy is just a tag, but leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels they can play for this team and contribute. If given the responsibility, I would be more than happy to take it on. Absolutely (I’m ready for it)”.
“Together, we will aim to defend the championship and continue our winning campaign. Thank you very much for picking me in your squad,” he added.
Venkatesh became 3rd most expensive player in the auction after his fellow countrymen Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
“Thank you, KKR, for trusting me and showing so much belief in me. I’m extremely delighted to be part of Kolkata Knight Riders again. To be honest, I’m at a loss for words, but I’m elated to be part of the KKR team once again,” said the 29-year-old.
“The KKR coach (Chandrakant Pandit) was also my coach in Madhya Pradesh. We were discussing how I felt nervous about coming back to KKR. But again, it’s a message of the franchise’s focus on winning championships and player development and how much they value its players. I’m thrilled to play for KKR again and happy they’ve shown so much confidence in me.”
