IPL 2025: Venkatesh Iyer ready for KKR captaincy if given a chance

Venkatesh Iyer was bought by KKR at the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 23.75 crores.

Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who has represented India in nine T20Is and two ODIs, made headlines at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction as he was bought back by IPL 2024 winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping amount of INR 23.75 crores.

The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder has been outstanding for KKR in the IPL, scoring 1326 runs in 50 games with an impressive strike rate of 138.

Having released Shreyas Iyer before the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR are yet to appoint their new captain for the upcoming season.

Venkatesh Iyer, who is considered to be a top contender for the role, has now shared his thoughts on captaincy for the franchise.

Venkatesh Iyer ready for KKR captaincy if given a chance

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Iyer expressed his eagerness for the captaincy experience. He mentioned that captaincy is just a tag and that he has always aspired to be a leader in the team.

Iyer said, “Definitely. Definitely, I’m ready (for captaincy role). Again, I’ve always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader.“

“You don’t necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples. You need to be a good role model, both on and off the field, which I am doing right now in MP.“

Reaffirming his stance, Iyer stated that if the franchise appoints him as captain, he will definitely take up the role.

He added, “I’ve always wanted to be that person. And if captaincy comes my way, I would definitely want to do it. There’s no ambiguity surrounded to this. I’ll definitely do it, if it comes my way. There is no reason not to do it.“

KKR will start their IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.