Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nair recalled an incident from all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer’s trials ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season. Nair said it was not just Iyer’s ability with the bat or ball that attracted attention, but his confidence from the moment he walked in.
Iyer was released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Notably, KKR bought him for ₹23.75 crore during last year’s mega auction. The three-time champions have the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore for the upcoming IPL auction.
Actually I chose him because of his attitude – Abhishek Nair
Abhishek Nair revealed that Venkatesh Iyer came with confidence during the pre-auction trials. Nair recalled that the all-rounder did not try to impress anyone but backed his game with natural swag.
Nair, then assistant coach of KKR, said on Doordarshan’s The Great Indian Cricket Show, “Actually I picked him because of his attitude. On the first day, Venkatesh Iyer came with swag; he performed, but he never looked at us or tried to please anyone. I thought he was a guy with a lot of attitude.”
Venkatesh made his IPL debut for KKR in 2021. He scored 370 runs in just 10 innings, which included four half-centuries. The all-rounder achieved some important successes by taking three wickets at an average of 23. After his impressive season, the franchise retained him ahead of the mega auction.
I loved Venkatesh Iyer’s willingness to face adversity – Abhishek Nair
Abhishek Nair said that when a bowler complained of cramps before the final over, Iyer immediately offered to take the ball. Nair said that although he gave away 18 runs, it was his confidence and willingness to take responsibility that left a deep impression on him.
Nair recalled, “The other day, we gave him a game. In the last over, when our bowler cramped, Venky shouted from the boundary, ‘I will bowl the last over.’ He bowled and gave away 18 runs, but what I liked was his willingness to face adversity.”
He added, “The trial was less important to him than proving to himself that he was doing the right thing. That conviction stayed with me.”
Venkatesh Iyer’s form raises doubts over KKR’s future
Venkatesh Iyer could not live up to expectations during the 2025 season. He scored only 142 runs in 11 matches, his lowest score since his debut. KKR had invested heavily in him through both retention and big auction bids, and his decline in form has now raised doubts over whether the franchise will try to bring him back.
In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Iyer has scored just 111 runs in seven matches at a strike rate just above 100. He scored an unbeaten 55 against Bihar at Eden Gardens. With the ball he has taken only two wickets in six innings.
It is unclear whether KKR will enter another bidding war for him, or whether the franchise will finally move on after years of supporting the all-rounder.
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