KKR's Iyer on Price Tag Pressure : Pressure of a Price Tag: KKR's Venkatesh Iyer on Rs 23.75 Cr

Kolkata, March 15 (NationPress) As the IPL 2025 season approaches, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Venkatesh Iyer acknowledged the weight of his significant price tag of Rs 23.75 crore, which he garnered during last year’s mega auction.

Iyer, now the third-most expensive player in IPL history, has been appointed as vice-captain, with seasoned batsman Ajinkya Rahane taking on the captaincy for the new season.

In a recent press gathering, the new captain Rahane, mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and Iyer shared insights about the upcoming season and their preparations.

Iyer expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo, stating, "He’s the most successful T20 player ever, and his wealth of experience is invaluable." He added, "Nothing can surpass experience. He has played numerous matches and achieved great victories for both West Indies and various franchises."

When asked how he copes with the pressure of his price tag, Iyer offered a realistic perspective, saying, "It exists. You can’t entirely ignore it, but once the IPL begins, it becomes secondary. You’re part of a playing XI, part of a team aiming for victory."

Rahane, now leading the reigning champions, expressed his gratitude. "It’s a privilege to captain this fantastic franchise. I’m truly thankful to the management for this chance," he remarked.

The seasoned batsman recognized the difficulties in defending the title but stayed focused on the present: "For me, it’s all about simplicity... We will undoubtedly strive to perform our best this season."

When queried about his batting role, Rahane reiterated a team-centric approach, saying, "I’ve always played wherever the team needed me. Team priorities have always come first."

Bravo shared his strategy for maintaining the team's success, remarking, "It would be disrespectful for me to alter the successful elements from last season."

The West Indian also conveyed his excitement about working with team owner Shah Rukh Khan, stating, "Having a boss like Shah Rukh, who is genuinely passionate about the sport, is fantastic... I aim to bring that same energy and vibe here as well."

Head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has previously collaborated with Rahane, discussed the team's preparations for their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22. "Every match is unique, and we’ve been training since the Mumbai camp, and now we’ve initiated the camp here as well... we intend to compete fiercely," he stated.

Regarding the team’s structure, Pandit emphasized the confidence derived from international experience, saying, "The confidence they bring from the international stage will be a significant advantage for KKR."

The squad is eager to perform at their home ground, with Rahane stating: "It feels great to return to Eden Gardens, a venue we love playing at. The atmosphere, energy, and passion of our fans are unparalleled."

With a solid foundation of retained players, experienced leadership, and the support of enthusiastic fans at Eden Gardens, KKR seems well-prepared to defend their title in the IPL 2025 season.