Venkatesh Iyer Out? KKR Has 3 Reasons To Drop ₹23.75 Crore Buy Vs PBKS

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Venky Iyer should be dropped [Source: AP Photo] Why Venky Iyer should be dropped [Source: AP Photo]

Perhaps the most important IPL 2025 match for the Kolkata Knight Riders takes place on Saturday as they take on the Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens. The defending champions have struggled in the ongoing season and need to win their remaining matches to stay alive in the race for playoffs.

One key reason for their disappointing campaign has been the woeful form of Venkatesh Iyer. The all-rounder was brought for INR 23.75 crore and Venkatesh is yet to justify his price tag. Ahead of the PBKS match, here are 3 key reasons why KKR should drop him for the next IPL match.

1) Poor form with the bat

A lot was expected of the batter when he was bought for 23.75 crore, however, 8 matches in and he has played just one match-winning knock for KKR. Just one fifty-plus score and KKR's entire campaign has spiralled down.

Criterion
Data
Matches8
Runs135
Average22.50
Strike-rate139.18

(Venkatesh Iyer stats in IPL 2025)

8 matches and just 135 runs describes Venkatesh's IPL campaign. He has struggled for runs and barring the knock against SRH, he is yet to play a match-winning innings. KKR from here on has nothing to lose and could take a bold call by replacing Venkatesh Iyer in the next match.

2) The struggle to justify the price tag

Apart from scoring, the urge to justify the big price tag is also taking a toll on Venkatesh. He was bought for a whopping 23.75 crore and just like Rishabh Pant, he, too, is failing to deliver the goods.

After every failure, the media scrutiny is taking a toll on his mind and hence, it won't be a bad idea to rest him and let him freshen up for the other matches.

3) The replacement is already ready

KKR already have a replacement ready in Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The talented batter was used as a lower-order finisher in the last match against GT. He is more of a top-order batter and has been in terrific form this season.

Criterion
Data
Matches7
Runs197
Average39.40
Strike-rate149.24

(Raghuvanshi IPL 2025 stats)

In 7 matches he has almost 200 runs, and has a strike-rate similar to what Venkatesh has. However, he has played more crunch knocks this season and the confidence should be rewarded by the KKR management.