Credits: IPL/X
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction, which will decide the fate of 577 shortlisted players, is currently underway at the Abady Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With just 204 slots up for grabs, including 70 overseas ones, only a select few out of 367 Indian and 210 overseas players will be picked by the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams for the 2025 season. Venkatesh Iyer, who is one of the sought-after Indian players in the mega auction, will remain with KKR for the next season as they bought him for INR 23.75 Crore.
Kolkata went all out and re-purchased their star all-rounder by paying a whopping sum. The reigning champions stayed in the bid throughout and engaged in an intense bidding war with Lucknow Super Giants. It was later joined by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but Kolkata eventually outbid the Bengaluru-based franchise and got him for INR 23.75 Crore.
Venkatesh Iyer's IPL Career
After being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Venkatesh Iyer registered himself for a base price of INR 2 Crore, following which the organising committee listed him in the Set No. 4 All-rounders 1. Venkatesh Iyer is known for his explosive batting and his all-round abilities in cricket. Iyer is known for his explosive batting and all-round skills. He can score runs quickly and also bowl a few overs when needed.
The 29-year-old started his IPL career in 2021 with KKR and has only played for them since then. In 51 matches, he has scored 1326 runs. In his debut season, he played 10 matches, scoring 370 runs at an average of 41.11, and was a key player in KKR's comeback to reach the final. Unfortunately, KKR lost the final to Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs. Iyer is a powerful top-order batter with the ability to change a match in just a few overs. He has also taken 3 wickets in the IPL. In 2023, he scored his first IPL century against the Mumbai Indians.
