Venkatesh Iyer was rebought by Kolkata Knight Riders for 23.75 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Since they went hard behind him, KKR had to miss players like Mitchell, Starc, Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer, who were key to their title-winning season in IPL 2024.
However, the decision to retain Iyer has not been a wise one for the Knight Riders this season so far. His returns with the bat has been very poor and underwhelming.
Venkatesh Iyer has scored just one half-century in the first 10 matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was backed by the management to bat at number four throughout the season. However, he has been a complete failure this season. He has just scored 142 runs in 10 games at an average of 20.29.
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Completely Backing Venkatesh Iyer - Ajinkya Rahane
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane who has been the top-scorer for his side with 297 runs from 10 games has finally opened up on his deputy. He spoke about his run of poor form ahead of their next match against RR in Kolkata. Meanwhile, after the win against DC, KKR is placed seventh on the IPL 2025 points table with nine points.
“Every player goes through that phase where he is trying his best, but the performance is not coming. He is a quality player. We all know that he has done well for the franchise in the past, (he has) won the matches for the team as well," Rahane said while speaking on the Star Sports Press Room.
However, Rahane has shown his full support towards the struggling Venkatesh Iyer and has also said the management to back him in his tough times.
“It’s important from the management (and) leadership group point of view (that) we back him. He has been working hard. People generally only see the results and the outcome. But the hard work which all the players are doing is really important," Rahane added.
In the last four games, the southpaw has scored just 28 runs. Against Delhi Capitals, he scored just seven off five balls with the KKR openers setting the platform for a big score. Despite his poor form, Rahane has backed Iyer to find form soon.
“From my point of view, we are completely backing Venkatesh Iyer. He is just one innings away. You can probably see one good innings from him in the next four games," Rahane said.
KKR next take on Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 4. They need to win all their remaining games to make the playoffs. CSK, on the other hand, are already eliminated from the season.
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