IPL 2025: With only 142 runs in 10 matches, Venkatesh Iyer’s form has been a major concern. In hindsight, was it a wise decision by KKR to buy him back at 23.75 crore in the auction?
When Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) splashed staggering Rs 23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer in the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction, it was supposed to be a game-changing move. The franchise saw him as the backbone of their future, a homegrown star who had already helped them win a title in 2024 and seemed ready to take on more responsibility. Appointing him vice-captain only added to the belief that this was his time to shine.
But as the league enters its final phase, things haven’t gone according to plan. Not for Iyer, not for KKR, and not for the fans who had pinned their hopes on the left-hander’s consistency and firepower.
Promised So Much, Delivered So Little
Coming into this season, Venkatesh Iyer was riding high. He had been one of KKR’s brightest lights in previous editions, a batter who could open aggressively and even chip in with the ball. But in IPL 2025, his bat has largely remained silent. In 10 matches, he has scored just 142 runs. That averages out to a modest 20.29, and while his strike rate of 139.22 might look decent on paper, it has not translated into impactful innings. He has managed just one half-century, and in his last four innings, his scores have been very low, adding up to just 28 runs.
For a player brought in at such a high price and given a leadership role, those numbers are disappointing. The fans haven’t held back either. Social media platforms have been buzzing with criticism. “Scam of the season,” one user wrote. Others have demanded he be dropped. In the world of IPL, where performance often matters more than reputation, it’s been a brutal fall from grace.
Venkatesh Iyer’s performance so far in IPL 2025
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Captain’s Support, But Questions Arise
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane has publicly backed Iyer, trying to shield him from the growing wave of criticism. “He is trying his best, but the performance is not coming. He is a quality player… just a knock away from proving his worth,” Rahane said. But even that support can only go so far when the team is struggling.
Currently hovering at the lower end of the points table, KKR needs to win all their remaining matches to stand a chance at reaching the playoffs. Every match is now a do-or-die, and the room for players to “find form” has all but vanished.
The Shadow of Shreyas Iyer
What makes Venkatesh Iyer’s poor form even more glaring is the success of the player KKR let go Shreyas Iyer. Last year’s title-winning captain, Shreyas, was surprisingly released ahead of the auction, and Punjab Kings wasted no time snapping him up for Rs 26.75 crore.
That move has paid off handsomely. Shreyas has been in sublime touch, scoring over 350 runs with a consistent average above 35 and a strike rate around 140. He’s also anchored the PBKS innings in several crucial chases and even played a blistering 97* against the Gujarat Titans. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to play different roles in the batting order have made him a standout performer this season.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s look at the numbers side by side to understand the gulf in performance:
The numbers tell a clear story. Shreyas is outperforming Venkatesh in every major batting metric. And when one costs only marginally more, the value gap becomes even more glaring.
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Expert Opinions
Cricket experts have been united in their assessment: KKR’s massive investment in Iyer was a miscalculation. RP Singh summed it up, “Form issues can happen with any player, but usually, the more matches you play, the better your form gets gradually. Dropping him isn’t a solution. What could be happening is that the amount of money he was bought for is playing on his mind. Maybe he’s thinking, ‘I was bought for such a huge amount, I must perform and take my team to the championship.’ That over-expectation might be creating pressure”
Is There Still Time for Redemption?
Despite everything, cricket is a game where fortunes can change in a single match. KKR still has a mathematical chance to make it to the playoffs. And Venkatesh Iyer still has time, albeit very little, to silence his critics.
One or two big innings could change the narrative, especially if they come in must-win games. That’s the nature of the IPL: while criticism is intense, redemption stories are always welcome.
Lessons for KKR
KKR must take a hard look at their auction strategy. Was it wise to let go of a proven performer like Shreyas Iyer? Did they gamble too much on potential and past performance rather than current form? And moving forward, how do they balance loyalty with logic?
The Rs 23.75 crore investment in Venkatesh was bold. But bold doesn’t always mean smart.
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