Kolkata (West Bengal), March 20: Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer spoke about his excitement to play at the iconic Eden Gardens, the pressure of his hefty price tag, and his unique bond with team owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
KKR will begin their title defense journey with a high-profile clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), often referred to as the ‘OG Derby’—the match that kicked off the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Iyer, who has been a crucial player for KKR since his debut in 2021, will be under the spotlight as he was bought back for a record-breaking Rs 23.75 crores during the IPL 2025 auction.
Speaking on Backstage with Boria season six, Iyer acknowledged the pressure that comes with his price tag but emphasized that once the match starts, all the external factors are irrelevant. “The IPL 2025 auction was a life-changing moment for me. The middle-class guy in me was very happy with the money! I would not lie. However, as the bidding war between KKR and RCB escalated, it brought a mix of emotions. One way to look at it is to feel happy that I have done something good in my career for teams to invest in me. Another way, which I think is the right one, is to realise that this comes with a lot of responsibility,” he shared. “If I say there is no pressure, I would be lying. Of course, there is pressure. But once the match starts, none of it matters. Whether I am a Rs 20 lakh player or a Rs 20 crore player, my job remains the same.”
On his relationship with KKR’s charismatic owner Shah Rukh Khan, Iyer described the Bollywood legend as an “elder brother” figure. “More than a franchise owner, he gives off an elder brother vibe. He makes you feel like he is always there for you. A franchise owner does not have to be so friendly and humble, especially someone like him, a global superstar. But he is so down to earth. When you meet him, you feel like you want to do something special for him. You feel like, ‘No, I want to do something for this man,’” Iyer added.
The Eden Gardens stadium, KKR’s home ground, holds a special place in Iyer’s heart. “To step onto the field at Eden Gardens, which is like a temple for me, and see thousands of fans cheering for you and your team—there’s no greater feeling for a cricketer. It feels like 70-80,000 people are behind you, supporting you with every action you take. That energy brings out the best in you,” he said, reflecting on the immense support from KKR’s passionate fanbase.
Venkatesh Iyer has been a standout performer for KKR since making his IPL debut in 2021. In his inaugural season, he scored 370 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.11, with a strike rate of 128.47. His all-round capabilities were on full display as he also picked up three wickets. His performance in IPL 2021 earned him a spot in the Indian national team for the T20I series, and although his international appearances have been limited since February 2022, his IPL form has remained solid.
In IPL 2024, during KKR’s title-winning season, Iyer played a key role, amassing 370 runs in 13 innings at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate of 158.79, with four half-centuries. His stellar contributions were crucial in KKR’s playoff and final victories, including a match-winning half-century in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).