Venkatesh Iyer To Be Released? KKR's Hidden Message Behind Andre Russell's Promotion

Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 (Source: AP Photos)

IPL is arguably the most toughest league in the world, and winning a trophy not only takes good performances on the field, but also astute planning off the field. One of the most important aspects of off-field planning is having a good auction ahead of IPL. KKR cracked it before the 2024 season by buying some quality match-winners, and ended up winning their third trophy.

The Mega Auction Surprise And Repercussions Of The Bold Move

However, the mega auction rules, and some interesting releases and buys in the auction, has put them in a tricky position in IPL 2025. They let go their trophy winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, but decided to spend 23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer, a move that raised eyebrows even during the auction.

Now, as the season has progressed, that decision of splurging 23.75 Crore has come under scanner even more, as Venkatesh Iyer has failed to make an impact with the bat. Also, when he first bursted onto the scene, he emerged as a seam-bowling all-rounder, but he has not bowled a single over in the IPL 2025.

Lack Of Trust And Utilisation From KKR Management

Interestingly, in 11 matches this season, Venkatesh Iyer has batted in just seven innings, and to make matter worse he has scored just 142 runs. His average is 20. 28, and it shows that Venky Iyer has not made any significant contribution. The management too has not shown confidence in his abilities by sending him lower down the order.

Venkatesh Iyer In IPL 2025

Thus, it is evident since the start of the season, that KKR are not using their 23.75 Crore buy the way any team with a player of such cost would normally do, and neither is Venkatesh Iyer living upto his massive price tag. The game against RR though looks like a final nail in the coffin in terms of Venkatesh Iyer's future in KKR.

The defending champions were 111-3 in the 13th over, and Venkatesh Iyer was slated to come in next. However, KKR decided to unleash their biggest match-winner, Andre Russell. He normally bats lower down the order, but with season on the line, the management clearly showed who they trust more, and Russell also delivered. 

When another wicket fell in the penultimate over, Rinku Singh came in to perform his finishing role. Thus, Venkatesh Iyer was sidelined again. Iyer's best peformances in IPL have come at the top of the order and number 3. There is no place for him in this KKR line-up at those positions too, thus it raises serious concerns over his role in the team.

Venkatesh Iyer's Record At Number 3 In IPL

Venkatesh Iyer Not Justifying His Price Tag

Also, ahead of the season, Venkatesh Iyer was named the vice-captain of the side. So, when Rahane was absent, Iyer should have led KKR against DC, but the management went with Sunil Narine, as Iyer was already subbed out. It shows that his wisdom as a decision maker is not been valued as it should be in the case of a designated vice-captain. 

The constant battle with injuries also make him a risky pick for a franchise, and in the game against RR too, he walked off the field after an injury scare. So, on-field performances, lack of role clarity, and injury concerns all currently indicate that Venkatesh Iyer is failing to justify his price-tag.

Thus, these are clear signs that KKR management might look to free-up their 23.75 Crore ahead of the next season, and bring more balance to their squad, something that has been missing in the 2025 season.

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