New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Venkatesh Iyer has not quite managed to live up to the expectations and deliver for the defending champions in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Iyer was KKR’s most expensive buy at the IPL 2025 mega auction last year as the franchise shelled out a whopping Rs 23.75 crore to retain him.
The expectations were high from Iyer heading into the ongoing season as he was also named the vice-captain of the side, with Ajinkya Rahane taking over captaincy. However, it has been far from an impressive season for the imposing left-hander, who has failed to replicate his past heroics for KKR.
Iyer’s woeful run with the bat continued in KKR’s crucial clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday. After a strong start and solid Powerplay for KKR, Iyer came out to bat at no.5 for the defending champions, but couldn’t make much of an impact as he was sent packing cheaply after managing only 7 runs off 5 balls.
A string of low scores for Venkatesh Iyer
Iyer has been one of the most prolific run-getters for KKR over the last few years. He has breached the 300-run mark thrice in the last four seasons for KKR, including 370 runs in IPL 2024 to help the team lift their third title last year. The left-hander has also batted across positions in the top and middle order to prove his versatility.
However, he hasn’t looked in great touch in the ongoing IPL 2025 so far. Iyer has a string of low scores in his last few innings for KKR. He has so far managed only 142 runs in 7 innings for KKR this season at an average of 20.28 and a strike rate of 139.21. He has as many as four single-digit scores in his seven innings this season, with the highest score of 60 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens earlier this season.
Iyer’s poor form doesn’t augur well for KKR, who have struggled for consistency this season with only three wins in nine matches. Their last game against Punjab Kings ended in a no-result after the match had to be abandoned due to rain, earning them a point. KKR need a win against Delhi Capitals to remain alive in the tournament and keep their playoffs hopes intact.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s Rs 23.75 crore signing Venkatesh Iyer has failed to repay the faith shown by the team management as he hasn’t been among the runs in IPL 2025 so far. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
