• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Rcb Were Left Begging For First Target Venkatesh Iyer Against Cold Hearted Kkr

RCB Were Left Begging For First Target Venkatesh Iyer Against Cold-Hearted KKR

Akshita Patel

Venkatesh Iyer ignited a tense bidding between KKR, RCB [Source: @RcbianOfficial, @KRxtra/X.com]Venkatesh Iyer ignited a tense bidding between KKR, RCB [Source: @RcbianOfficial, @KRxtra/X.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

During the IPL 2025 mega auction, RCB and KKR were indulged in an intense bidding war for all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. The bid unexpectedly crossed the INR 20 crore mark before the Knight Riders secured him for INR 23.75 crores. It was later revealed that RCB were desperate to have Iyer as they entered the auction with no backup plan at no.3

IPL 2025 mega auction was an eventful affair with multiple high-end players fetching significant crores of money. Rishabh Pant fetched the costliest contract in the history of IPL with INR 27 crore whereas Shreyas Iyer also grabbed INR 26.75 crore from PBKS.

However, Venkatesh Iyer’s bidding war was unexpected as RCB and KKR went all in for the all-rounder. The bid quickly rose to INR 20 crore despite the defending champions lacking necessary funds. Eventually, RCB bowed out as KKR sealed Iyer for a whooping bid of INR 23.75 crores.

How RCB were stunned during Venkatesh Iyer's bidding war?

Meanwhile, RCB released an unseen video from the pre-auction preparation. On the giant screen, they had listed their priority picks as per their batting order. For no.3, RCB had only set eyes on Venkatesh Iyer as no mention of a backup option was seen on the screen. Hence their desperation was palpable during the mega auction. 

RCB’s mega plan to field Madhya Pradesh teammates Venkatesh Iyer and Rajat Patidar behind each other was foiled by KKR management, led by CEO Venky Mysore. The CEO appeared extremely relaxed during the bidding war and had clarity about his actions. 

On the other hand, RCB appeared clueless when the bid soared to a record price. This masterstroke by KKR turned out to be a key highlight of the IPL 2025 mega auction. 

Venkatesh steals the show in SMAT semi-final

During the SMAT 2024 edition semi-final between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer stole the limelight with the ball. He dismissed set batters Ayush Badoni and Himmat Singh in a single over to restrict Delhi to 146 total in the first innings. 

Later in the chase, opener Harsh Gawli had the perfect start with 30 off 18 balls before Harpreet Singh Bhatia and Rajat Patidar took centre stage to knit a 106-run partnership and lead MP to a convincing 7-wicket victory.