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The economics of IPL: How letting go of Venkatesh Iyer could help KKR rebuild smarter

Akshita Patel

KKR might part ways with Venkatesh Iyer [Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com]KKR might part ways with Venkatesh Iyer [Source: @OneCricketApp/X.com]

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, the focus is on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), especially on ₹23.75 crore man Venkatesh Iyer. 

Rumours suggest that the three-time champions are seriously considering releasing the all-rounder ahead of the auction. 

On the surface, it may look like a shocking decision. After all, Venkatesh was their costliest player just last season. But dig a little deeper, and the move begins to make strategic sense.

The weight of ₹23.75 crore is getting heavy on Iyer’s shoulders

When KKR decided to buy Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering ₹23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction, it raised a lot of eyebrows.

At that time, he was seen as a long-term investment as a versatile left-hander who could open, finish, and bowl part-time seam. 

However, his results never quite merited the sizeable price tag. In the 2025 season, Iyer completed his campaign with just 142 runs in 11 innings, averaging just 20, while his strike rate hovered around the 140s. 

For a player marketed as a match-winner, neither of those numbers were acceptable. The problem wasn’t just form, but it was also fit. 

KKR’s constant role reshuffling didn’t help. Moved around the batting order, Venkatesh Iyer lost rhythm and confidence. 

By mid-season, his body language told the story of a player struggling under the weight of expectation and price. 

The economics behind the release

Releasing Venkatesh Iyer could immediately free up ₹23.75 crore, giving KKR a much-needed financial reset. In IPL terms, that’s not just money, that’s power. 

The 2025 season saw KKR finish eighth on the table, and part of the blame went to their bloated payroll and ridiculously expensive purchases. 

If KKR release Iyer, they could enter the IPL 2026 auction with one of the healthiest purses among franchises, nearly ₹40 crore. 

That would allow them to rebuild depth and perhaps strengthen their lower middle order, adding a reliable overseas pacer, and even buying Iyer back at a fraction of his previous price. 

It’s a classic IPL tactic. Release a player when his market value dips, then bring him back cheaper. 

Releasing Venkatesh Iyer is a smart reset

Former KKR players like Aakash Chopra and Aaron Finch have already supported this idea. 

Finch even stated that Iyer’s release “could help both sides,” giving KKR room to rebalance their squad and Iyer the freedom to rediscover form without pressure. 

Aakash Chopra added that Iyer’s release alone could give KKR “a much-needed ₹23 crore boost,” putting them “in a very good space” to rebuild.

KKR are also under new management, with Abhishek Nayar taking over as head coach. With his data-driven yet player-centric approach, Nayar might use the money in player acquisitions to build a more balanced and adaptable roster for 2026.

The bottom line

Releasing Venkatesh Iyer might sound ruthless, but it’s the kind of smart, long-term move championship teams make. 

If KKR can buy him back at a lower price, say, under ₹8 crore, they’ll not only regain a familiar face but also save over ₹15 crore to strengthen the squad elsewhere.

In essence, this isn’t about losing faith in Venkatesh Iyer. It’s about redefining value. For a franchise that needs to rebuild after a turbulent 2025, this could be the reset button they desperately need.