Venkatesh Iyer Reveals He Still Wants to Return to KKR After Costly 2025 Season

Venkatesh Iyer revealed that even after being released again, he still hopes to return to KKR because the franchise backed him and he wants to bring them more success.

Venkatesh Iyer has expressed a strong desire to return to Kolkata Knight Riders despite being released for the second straight year ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The all-rounder says he hopes to represent KKR again because the franchise backed him during his stint, including the 2025 season when they invested Rs 23.75 crore to sign him.

His performances, however, fell short of expectations as he scored only 142 runs in seven innings at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22, while not bowling a single over. He also struggled to settle into a fixed batting position and was eventually left out midway through the season.

“For players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL. It doesn’t matter which team I play for. I will put my best foot forward. If I have to ask my heart, I would still want to play for KKR. I won one championship with KKR and want to continue the legacy. I want to bring more glory to KKR. Because they have shown so much faith in me. If not KKR, then anywhere else. Everyone knows that wherever I go, I will look to give my best. Not just in terms of my batting or bowling, but also, I can contribute in terms of leadership and suggestions to the captain,” he told CricTracker.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Loyalty to KKR Remains Firm

Notably, Venkatesh Iyer’s association with Kolkata Knight Riders has had major highs and lows. The all-rounder made an instant impact in 2021, convincing the franchise to retain him ahead of Shubman Gill, who is now closing in on becoming India’s all-format captain. His form dipped in 2022 but he revived his reputation in 2023.

READ ALSO | Ricky Ponting Chooses New Faces In His Australia XI For First Ashes Test

At one point, he was even seen as a future captain after Shreyas Iyer’s exit, but the team opted to release and re-sign him before appointing Ajinkya Rahane as skipper. The IPL 2026 auction takes place on December 16.