Venkatesh Iyer Tipped to Lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025
IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are prepping for 2025. They have a new squad and a search for a new captain. Ex-Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif predicts Venkatesh Iyer will lead KKR in IPL 2025.
Kaif believes Iyer’s leadership and Pandit’s support will ensure the team’s success after their IPL 2024 win.
Shreyas Iyer Released, PBKS Snaps Him Up for Record Bid
Before the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, KKR released their captain, Shreyas Iyer. This made headlines across the cricketing world. Despite efforts to reacquire him, the franchise was outbid by Punjab Kings (PBKS). They secured Shreyas Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore, the second-highest bid in IPL history.
The highest-ever auction bid went to Rishabh Pant. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bought him for ₹27 crore in that auction.
KKR’s Auction Strategy: Building a Balanced Squad
KKR aimed to rebuild their squad. They acquired several marquee players in the IPL 2025 auction. Key additions are South African pacer Anrich Nortje for ₹6.50 crore, and veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane for ₹1.50 crore. Also, wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for ₹3.60 crore.
Amid speculation, Rinku Singh emerged as a strong contender for the captaincy. However, Kaif suggested Venkatesh Iyer is the best choice to lead Kolkata. His all-round skills, calm demeanor, and familiarity with coach Pandit make him ideal.
Kaif’s Confidence in Venkatesh Iyer’s Leadership
“KKR spending Rs 23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer almost confirms his captaincy. Having his MP coach Chandrakant Pandit by his side will help. Iyer has a chance to make it big, very big” – he said.
KKR spending Rs 23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer almost confirms his captaincy. Having his MP coach Chandrakant Pandit by his side will help. Iyer has a chance to make it big, very big. #IPL2025
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 28, 2024
Iyer, bought for ₹23.75 crore in the auction, has been a consistent performer for KKR. He could inject fresh energy into the team’s leadership.
KKR Squad for IPL 2025
KKR has built a strong team for the new season. It blends seasoned players with fresh talent.
Retained Stars:
Rinku Singh,
Varun Chakaravarthy
Sunil Narine
Andre Russell
Harshit Rana
Ramandeep Singh
New Signings:
Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore)
Quinton de Kock (₹3.60 crore)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (₹2 crore)
Angrish Rahuvanshi (₹3 crores)
Anrich Nortje (₹6.50 crore)
Vaibhav Arora (₹1.80 crores)
Ajinkya Rahane (₹1.50 crore)
Mayank Markande (₹30 Lakhs)
Manish Pandey(₹75 Lakhs)
Moeen Ali (₹2 crore)
Umran Malik (₹75 lakh)
Luvnith Sisodia (₹30 Lakh)
Anukul Roy (₹40 Lakh)
Rovman Powell (₹1.50 crores)
Spencer Johnson(₹2 crore)
