Venkatesh Iyer will be a hot prospect at the IPL 2025 Auction owing to his superior skillset as a middle-order batter.
Venkatesh Iyer has grown into a reliable middle-order batter over the years. Released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, Iyer’s consistent performances have made him a coveted asset. Several franchises are reportedly keen to secure his services, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Venkatesh Iyer’s journey in the IPL began with KKR in 2021, where he quickly established himself as a key player. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball was instrumental in KKR’s successes, including their title win in 2024. Despite his contributions, KKR opted not to retain him for the 2025 season, a decision that left Iyer emotional yet understanding of the franchise’s strategy.
He expressed his sentiments, stating, “It kind of makes me teary-eyed that my name is not on the retention list but I am a practical guy. I understand how it works.”
While KKR has retained six players, including Rinku Singh and Sunil Narine, they have no Right to Match (RTM) cards left, limiting their ability to re-acquire Iyer during the auction. However, given his past performances and the value he brings, KKR might still consider bidding for him to bolster their squad depth.
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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. With a significant purse remaining, RCB is in a strong position to make strategic acquisitions. Venkatesh Iyer’s versatility as an all-rounder aligns with RCB’s need for a dynamic player who can provide balance to the team. His ability to bat in various positions and offer medium-pace bowling options makes him an attractive prospect for RCB as they aim to strengthen their lineup.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have retained only two players: Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, leaving them with the largest purse among all franchises. This substantial budget provides PBKS with the flexibility to target high-impact players like Venkatesh Iyer.
Given their need to rebuild the squad, Iyer’s all-round capabilities could be pivotal in providing the team with both batting depth and additional bowling options. His experience and proven track record in the IPL make him a valuable asset for PBKS as they look to revamp their roster.
The Gujarat Titans, having retained a core group of players, are seeking to add depth to their squad. Venkatesh Iyer’s adaptability and experience in high-pressure situations make him a suitable candidate to fill the gaps in their lineup.
His left-handed batting adds variety to the batting order, and his bowling can provide crucial overs, especially in the middle stages of the game. The Titans’ strategy to build a balanced team focused on Indian players could see them entering the fray to acquire Iyer’s services.
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have retained five players, including Nicholas Pooran and Ravi Bishnoi. With a considerable purse remaining, LSG is in a position to bid for key players to enhance their squad. Venkatesh Iyer’s ability to play multiple roles—be it as an opener, middle-order batsman, or a bowler—aligns with LSG’s strategy to have versatile players.
Moreover, they lack a reliable Indian batter in the middle-order and Iyer fits the bill perfectly. His inclusion could provide the team with the flexibility needed to adapt to various match situations, making him a valuable target for LSG in the upcoming auction.
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, Venkatesh Iyer’s availability is poised to ignite a bidding war among these franchises. His consistent performances, versatility, and experience make him a sought-after player, and it remains to be seen which team will secure his services for the upcoming season.
