Hey there, cricket fans! If you’re a Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) supporter like me, you’re probably buzzing with excitement about the IPL 2025 season. And why wouldn’t you be? The defending champions have one of their brightest stars, Venkatesh Iyer, gearing up to take the stage once again. In a heartfelt and exclusive chat with Revsportz, Venkatesh spilled the beans on his journey, his massive price tag in the IPL 2025 mega auction, and his burning desire to make this season his own. With the bold declaration, “Now, it’s my turn,” he’s got us all hooked—and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!
The Mega Auction Spotlight
Let’s talk about that auction moment first. When KKR splashed out a hefty sum to bring Venkatesh back into the fold for IPL 2025, it was a statement of faith. This is the guy who smashed the winning runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad in last season’s final, helping KKR lift the trophy. Naturally, the big price tag sparked chatter among fans and pundits alike. Venkatesh, with his trademark humility, acknowledged the buzz. “There will be discussions about it,” he said, shrugging it off with a grin. “But at the end of the day, my job as a player doesn’t change—price tag or not.”
What I love about Venkatesh is how he keeps it real. He’s not fazed by the numbers or the hype. Instead, he’s laser-focused on his role in the team. “KKR has done everything for me,” he shared, his voice full of gratitude. “They’ve backed me from day one, and I’m ready to give my all to live up to their trust in 2025.” That’s the kind of loyalty that warms your heart as a fan, isn’t it?
The Dream Debut of 2021
Rewind to 2021, and you’ll remember how Venkatesh Iyer burst onto the IPL scene like a firecracker. A relatively unknown name back then, this southpaw took the league by storm with his fearless batting. In just 10 matches, he piled up 370 runs at a stunning average of 41.11, powering KKR all the way to the finals. I still get goosebumps thinking about those electric knocks—each one a reminder of why we love this game.
Sure, KKR fell short against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in that final, losing by 27 runs, but Venkatesh’s performances were unforgettable. He didn’t just win matches; he won hearts. His breakout season earned him a call-up to India’s T20I squad and a retention spot with KKR ahead of the 2022 auction. It felt like the start of something big—like we were witnessing the rise of a future superstar.
Hitting a Rough Patch
But here’s the thing about cricket—it’s not always sunshine and sixes. After that dazzling debut, Venkatesh hit a bumpy road. The runs slowed down, and the consistency we’d seen in 2021 seemed to slip away. It was tough to watch, especially because you could tell how much he wanted to succeed. So, what went wrong? In his Revsportz interview, Venkatesh opened up about it with refreshing honesty. “I got too caught up in trying to make India’s T20 World Cup 2022 squad,” he admitted. “I was so focused on the future that I lost sight of the present.”
That pressure to cement his spot on the international stage took its toll. It’s something a lot of us can relate to—when you want something so badly, you end up overthinking it. For Venkatesh, it meant his game suffered. But here’s where his story gets inspiring. Instead of letting that lean patch break him, he turned it into a lesson. “It taught me to live in the present,” he said. “You can’t change what’s ahead, but you can control what you do right now.” Wise words from someone who’s clearly grown through the highs and lows.
Bouncing Back Stronger
That mindset shift paid off big time. Fast forward to IPL 2024, and Venkatesh was back in form, playing a key role in KKR’s title-winning campaign. That final moment—hitting the winning runs against SRH—was pure redemption. You could see the joy on his face, the relief of proving himself again. It wasn’t just a win for KKR; it was a personal triumph for Venkatesh.
Now, as we look ahead to IPL 2025, he’s hungrier than ever. “Now, it’s my turn,” he declared, and you can feel the fire in those words. He’s not just aiming to perform—he wants to dominate. With KKR’s unwavering support behind him, Venkatesh has the perfect platform to showcase his talent. Whether it’s smashing boundaries, chipping in with the ball, or lighting up the field with his energy, he’s ready to be the all-round package KKR needs.
Why This Season Feels Special
There’s something different about Venkatesh Iyer heading into IPL 2025. Maybe it’s the confidence of a champion, the wisdom from his struggles, or the sheer gratitude he feels toward KKR. Whatever it is, it’s got me—and I’m sure all of you—pumped up. He’s not just a player anymore; he’s a leader in the making, someone who embodies the spirit of this franchise.
As fans, we’ve seen him rise, stumble, and rise again. Now, with the IPL 2025 season on the horizon, Venkatesh Iyer is ready to write his next chapter. “KKR has given me everything,” he said, “and I’m going to repay that faith.” So, let’s gear up, KKR fam—our star is ready to shine, and I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be one heck of a ride!
