![KKR have released their most expensive buy of IPL 2025 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763362948444_Venky_Iyer.jpg?type=hq)
KKR have released their most expensive buy of IPL 2025 [Source: AFP]
Venkatesh Iyer being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 IPL mini-auction is not one of the biggest surprises of the season. However, his departure marks the end of a four-year journey that began with enormous promise but slowly drifted into inconsistency.
Notably, KKR had bought him for a massive ₹23.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction, which was nearly 12 times his base price. Expectations were sky-high.
However, the 2025 season turned out to be disastrous for him: only 142 runs, no wickets, and zero overs bowled, all of which raised questions about his role and contribution. His strike rate stayed decent at 139, but that wasn’t enough to justify his price tag. Ultimately, KKR let him go.
But being released doesn’t mean his IPL career is over. In fact, the mini-auction now gives other teams a chance to pick him. So, in this article, here are three teams, in particular, that are likely to go after him.
1. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals have gone through massive squad changes before the auction. The biggest shock was trading away Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They also let go of Nitish Rana. These exits create a huge vacuum in RR’s top order, especially in the No. 3 and No. 4 positions. This is precisely where Venkatesh Iyer fits in.
Notably, Iyer has shown in past seasons, especially with KKR, that he can thrive as a top-order batter. His left-handed batting adds balance, and he has the ability to dominate the powerplay or stabilize an innings when needed.
RR currently rely on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as openers, which means their No. 3 role becomes important. Without Samson and Rana, RR desperately need someone experienced and already proven in the top order.
RR also have a purse of ₹16.05 crore and nine slots open. That gives them enough financial room to go for Iyer at a more reasonable price compared to what KKR paid.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals have also opened up spots in their top order after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis. Their batting has struggled for stability, and their experiments last season didn’t pay off. With a healthy purse of ₹21.8 crore and eight slots open, DC have the financial power to go after a reliable Indian batter. Venkatesh Iyer makes strategic sense for them.
Iyer has played 15 IPL innings at No. 3 and scored 562 runs, which includes a century and five fifties. These are strong numbers for someone who can be used as a flexible top-order player.
| Criteria | Stats |
| Innings | 15 |
| Runs | 562 |
| Average | 43.2 |
| SR | 168.8 |
[Iyer's batting stats at no 3 in IPL]
Notably, Iyer’s left-handedness can also help DC diversify their batting lineup, especially on pitches that assist spin.
Meanwhile, DC have retained KL Rahul and Karun Nair, but they still need someone who can both anchor and accelerate. Iyer gives them that option. When he is in form, he can shift gears easily and maintain a high strike rate without taking reckless risks.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
It may sound strange, but KKR themselves might try to buy Iyer back. Teams often release expensive players only to acquire them again for a lower price. With KKR having a huge purse of ₹64.3 crore and 13 slots to fill, they have more flexibility than any other franchise in this auction.
Even though Iyer struggled in 2025, his history with KKR cannot be ignored. The 30-year-old batter scored 1,468 runs across 62 innings for them, including a century and 12 fifties. He was crucial during KKR’s 2024 title-winning season. In 2023, he scored 404 runs at a strike rate of 145.85, proof that he can bounce back strongly.
| Criteria | Stats |
| Inns | 56 |
| Runs | 1468 |
| Average | 29.95 |
| SR | 137.32 |
[Venkatesh Iyer's IPL batting]
KKR might feel that he is still worth investing in, especially at a cheaper rate. They know his strengths, understand where to use him best, and have seen him perform in their system.
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