Venkatesh Iyer has expressed his desire to continue playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in future Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. The all-rounder was bought by KKR for a massive Rs 23.75 crore in the 2025 auction, a move that drew widespread attention, but the franchise released him ahead of the 2026 season.
Iyer was among several high-profile players released by KKR, including Andre Russell (Rs 12 crore), Quinton de Kock (Rs 3.6 crore), Moeen Ali (Rs 2 crore), Anrich Nortje (Rs 6.5 crore), Spencer Johnson (Rs 2.8 crore), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Rs 2 crore). Despite being released, Iyer thanked the franchise for their faith in him and reaffirmed his wish to return.
“For players like us, the IPL is an incredible opportunity. It doesn’t matter which team I play for; I will always give my best. If I have to ask my heart, I would still want to play for KKR. I have won a championship with them and I want to continue that legacy, bringing more glory to the team. They have shown so much faith in me,” Iyer told CricTracker.
He added that if a return to KKR isn’t possible, he would be open to representing any of the nine other IPL teams. “If not KKR, then anywhere else. Everyone knows that wherever I go, I will give my best not just with my batting or bowling, but also by contributing leadership and strategic advice to the captain,” he said.
Iyer has played 62 IPL matches, scoring 1,468 runs at an average of 29.96 and a strike rate of 137.32. He has registered 12 fifties and one century, with a highest score of 104 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. With the ball, he has taken three wickets while conceding 143 runs, posting a bowling average of 47.67 and an economy rate of 10.59 per over.
