IPL 2025: "You'll be expected.." Venkatesh Iyer breaks silence on price tag of 23.75 Cr

Venkatesh Iyer was bought back by KKR using RTM card at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Venkatesh Iyer was bought back by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction for a whopping amount of INR 23.75 crores. KKR retained Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine. KKR are the defending champions of the IPL title.

As teams splurged on top players, some cricketers became extremely wealthy from the IPL 2025 big auction. After being selected by LSG for INR 27 crores, Rishabh Pant became the most expensive selection in IPL auction history.

Ahead of the IPL 2025, KKR vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer has dismissed worries about price tag pressure, stating that performance pressure is constant. Iyer became the highest-paid player for KKR after being selected for INR 23.75 crores at the mega auction.

Venkatesh Iyer breaks silence on weight of price tag

One of the most costly acquisitions in IPL history, Venkatesh Iyer, has allayed concerns over his outrageous INR 23.75 crore price tag, claiming he is only interested in playing for the KKR in the 2025 tournament.

“But when the IPL will start, it really doesn’t matter. You are a part of a playing XI. You are a part of a team that is going out there to win. It really doesn’t matter for what price you were picked or what is expected out of you. If you are taking the field for a side, you will be expected to do well,” Iyer told the media.

One of the major talking points of the season, the 30-year-old all-rounder was bought back at a record amount after being released by KKR before the super auction. Iyer, nevertheless, is unconcerned with the expectations that accompany such a large amount.

“It’s about how you carry yourself onto the field. And are you able to fulfill the responsibility that has been given to you? And see, again, pressure is always there, irrespective. If not the price tag, it will be something else,” he added.

While Iyer has been made vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane has been entrusted with the responsibility of captaincy for the reigning champions.

Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR, has explained the team’s rationale, pointing to the IPL’s rigor and the requirement for leadership experience. Mysore told ESPNcricinfo that although KKR thinks highly of Iyer, a younger player may find the demands of captaincy too much to handle.

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