Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025 – The Story Behind the Price Tag and the Criticism
When the gavel came down during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had just made one of the most expensive purchases in tournament history. Venkatesh Iyer, the tall left-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh, was signed for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. This was the third-highest bid of the season, only behind Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
For Venkatesh, this was supposed to be the start of a dream chapter. But as the IPL 2025 season unfolded, the weight of the price tag became the talking point everywhere he went. Social media, cricket panels, and fans all seemed to have an opinion — and most of it wasn’t kind.
A Price Tag That Invited Scrutiny
Right from the moment KKR went all-in for Venkatesh Iyer, questions started flying. Why did the defending champions let go of their captain Shreyas Iyer but spend more than double on Venkatesh? Was it a move to make him captain? Was it a gamble on potential rather than proven consistency?
These discussions only intensified as Venkatesh struggled to find form. In 11 matches, he managed just 142 runs at a strike rate of 139. Apart from a lone match-winning 60, his batting contributions were limited. With the Impact Player rule in place, KKR rarely used his bowling, further limiting his influence on the game.
Dealing with the Outside Noise
For a player who had last represented India in February 2022, the 2025 season was supposed to be his big return to form. Instead, the criticism about his price tag started to overshadow his cricket.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Venkatesh Iyer revealed that he had to make some personal changes to cope with the negativity:
“People who had these questions are not even on my contact list. So why do I have to even think about what they are thinking?”
By removing certain people from his contacts, Iyer took control of the influences in his life. He focused only on feedback from those who truly mattered to him — his close circle, his coaches, and his team management.
‘It’s My Life, My Game, My Career’
Venkatesh’s message to his critics was simple but powerful:
“It’s my life, my game, my career. And it’s my team that has chosen to spend so much on me. So these things don’t faze me.”
For someone who once dreamed of playing the IPL even for ₹20 lakh, the jump to ₹23.75 crore is a massive leap. Iyer acknowledges the privilege of being in such a position but insists that it’s important not to be distracted by external opinions. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
Why KKR Backed Him
KKR’s decision to invest heavily in Venkatesh was based on his potential as a match-winner. He had made a name for himself in IPL 2021, where his explosive batting at the top order played a huge role in KKR’s run to the final. The management saw him as a long-term asset who could fit multiple roles — opener, middle-order stabiliser, and part-time bowler. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
While his IPL 2025 numbers did not justify the price tag, the franchise has shown faith in its players in the past, giving them time to bounce back. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
The Mental Side of the Game
The IPL is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Price tags bring with them expectations that can either fuel a player’s confidence or weigh them down. Venkatesh’s approach this season was to protect his mental space. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
He emphasised that every professional cricketer faces intense scrutiny but learning to filter out unhelpful opinions is crucial. “People who have had a direct impact on my life, I am answerable to only them,” he said.
Learning from a Tough Season
While IPL 2025 will not be remembered as his best season, it may be one of the most important in Venkatesh Iyer’s career for what it taught him about handling pressure. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
From managing criticism to staying grounded despite the highs and lows of T20 cricket, Iyer’s experience this year could be the foundation for a stronger comeback in 2026. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
Looking Ahead
The big question now is whether KKR will retain him for IPL 2026 or release him back into the auction pool. Given the amount they spent, it’s unlikely they will let him go after just one underwhelming season. But the franchise will expect more consistent performances in the future. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
For Venkatesh Iyer, the focus will be on working on his batting form, improving adaptability against different bowling attacks, and making himself a key contributor again. Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025
Final Thoughts
The Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025 story is a reminder of how quickly narratives can shift in the IPL. One moment, you’re a dream auction pick; the next, you’re battling social media criticism.
Yet, Iyer’s calm and unapologetic approach to dealing with outside noise sets a strong example for young cricketers. Whether or not his future seasons justify the price tag, his mental resilience may be the real win from this chapter.
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