IPL 2025: Why is KKR's 23.75 crore buy Venkatesh Iyer not included in playing XI in KKR vs CSK clash?

Manish Pandey replaced Venkatesh Iyer in KKR’s playing XI vs CSK.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are locking horns in match No. 57 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The venue of the KKR vs CSK clash is Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Ajinkya Rahane is the skipper of KKR, while MS Dhoni leads CSK.

KKR skipper Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. During the toss, he revealed that all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is not part of the playing XI. KKR have a good chance to qualify for the playoffs if they win their remaining matches this season.

On the other hand, Super Kings are already out of IPL 2025. The MS Dhoni & Co. have only won just two games out of 11 and lost nine. They were the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs. Hence, the clash against KKR is a dead-rubber match for the five-time champions.

Venkatesh Iyer has got stitches in his hand: Ajinkya Rahane

During the toss, KKR captain Rahane revealed that Iyer will not play in this match due to injury. He revealed that the KKR all-rounder has got stitches on his hands. KKR has named Manish Pandey as the replacement for Iyer in the playing XI. The latter has played only one game in IPL 2025, and the clash against CSK is his second outing this season.

The left-handed batter Iyer was part of KKR’s all previous 11 games in IPL 2025. He batted in seven innings and scored 142 runs with a highest score of 60. Iyer scored only one fifty this season and owns a poor batting average of 20.29. KKR bought Iyer for INR 23.75 crore during IPL 2025 mega auction. Pandey scored 19 runs in the lone innings he played this season.

Meanwhile, Knight Riders take the sixth spot in IPL 2025 points table with 11 points. They have won five games and lost five clashes in the league. One of their matches, against Punjab Kings (PBKS), ended without a result.

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