Venkatesh Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder who saw a massive bid in the IPL 2025 auction, witnessed a mid-season for himself, thereby being released by the team. However, there was a huge possibility for KKR to buy him back. KKR showed continued faith in him across multiple seasons, retaining him for ₹8 crore per year between 2022 and 2024. His valuation reached its peak at the 2025 mega auction, when the franchise spent heavily on ₹23.75 crore to retain his services, underlining just how highly he was regarded within the setup.
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Iyer was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹7 crore after a competitive bidding battle at the IPL auction.
The bidding for Iyer began at his base price of ₹2 crore, with Lucknow Super Giants opening proceedings. Gujarat Titans soon joined in, pushing the price to ₹2.20 crore before bowing out at ₹2.80 crore.
RCB entered the contest at ₹3 crore, only for LSG to keep raising the stakes. Kolkata Knight Riders then joined the race at ₹3.60 crore, reigniting a familiar rivalry with RCB, as both franchises had gone head-to-head for Iyer in the previous mega auction as well.
As the price crossed ₹5 crore, the contest narrowed to RCB and KKR. With RCB holding the bid at ₹5.80 crore, KKR paused before raising the paddle again at ₹6 crore. RCB responded immediately, pushing the amount to ₹6.60 crore and forcing KKR into another rethink.
At ₹7 crore, KKR finally withdrew, leaving RCB to seal the deal. Venkatesh Iyer was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹7 crore, marking another key addition to their squad.
