3 Potential Replacements For Venkatesh Iyer In KKR’s IPL 2025 Squad
Venkatesh Iyer got injured in Ranji game (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com)
Venkatesh Iyer was bought for 23.75 Crore by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 and it shows how much the management values him as a player. He has delivered plenty of match-winning performances for KKR over the years, and his all-round skills made him the third expensive player in IPL 2025 auction.
However, Kolkata Knight Riders fans and management were handed a rude shock on the opening day of the sixth round. Venkatesh Iyer is playing for Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy against Kerala, and on the opening day, the batter twisted his ankle while batting. He retired hurt on a score of two and walked off the field in lot of pain, leaving his fans worried.
The all-rounder has a history of injuries and if the recent injury is serious and he goes onto miss the IPL, then KKR would surely find it difficult to replace a player of his calibre. However, they would have to find a way, and here are the three potential replacements of Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025
1. Shardul Thakur
The star cricketer surprisingly went unsold at IPL 2025 mega auction. His base price was 2 Crore, and the all-rounder after playing for CSK at 4 Crore last year, did not find any buyer. He has played for KKR in the past though and has truckloads of experience which makes him a good replacement option for the franchise.
The Mumbai cricketer also is a seam-bowling all-rounder and though his bowling is more potent than his batting, he can deliver in both departments. Shardul Thakur played for KKR in 2023 IPL at 10.75 Crore and has played 95 matches in IPL since 2015. He has 94 wickets in it while he has one fifty in the league too.
Shardul has also picked 33 wickets for India in 25 T20Is and has an average of 23 at the international level in the shortest format. The international star also recently did well in SMAT 2024, and bagged 15 wickets in nine matches. He also scored 168 runs at an average of 33.60 and so with experience and performances at his disposal, Thakur is a quality replacement option for Venkatesh Iyer.
2. Rishi Dhawan
Rishi Dhawan is also a seam-bowling all-rounder and was part of Punjab Kings in the last cycle. He went unsold in the 2025 IPL mega auction but is an experienced cricketer who has played for India in the past and could be a handy option for KKR.
The Himachal cricketer has played 135 T20 games and has scored 1740 runs at an average of 30. He has 118 wickets with the ball, and has 25 wickets in IPL as well. The experience of delivering in different conditions in India can help KKR too, and and KKR can use him strategically whenever they need him.
3. Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre, the teenager has impressed one and all in recent times both at the U19 level and in senior domestic cricket. All these performances came after IPL 2025 auction, and if Venkatesh Iyer gets ruled out, KKR have a chance to bag the youngster. He is a right-handed opening batter and as the reigning champions do not have a quality Indian opener, he can fit in.
Mhatre scored 458 runs in seven innings of Vijay Hazare Trophy at an average of 65.43 and strike-rate of 135.50. Also, he scored 176 runs in five innings in U19 Asia Cup played in T20 format at an average of 44, so the young man clearly has the talent and KKR can groom him for future.
Mhatre can also chip in with his handy off-breaks and picked six and seven wickets in U19 Asia Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy respectively.