IPL 2025: Venkatesh Iyer Embraces KKR Captaincy, Calls It 'Just a Tag'
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Venkatesh Iyer expresses readiness to lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, deeming captaincy as merely a 'tag'. Having joined for Rs 23.75 crore, he emphasizes that leadership is about influence, not titles. KKR and Delhi Capitals are yet to announce captains for the season beginning March 22.
Key Takeaways
- Venkatesh Iyer is open to captaincy for KKR.
- He believes captaincy is 'just a tag'.
- Leadership transcends titles.
- KKR begins IPL 2025 on March 22.
- Shreyas Iyer has been released and signed by Punjab Kings.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is open to taking on the captaincy of the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Having joined the team for Rs 23.75 crore during last year's mega auction, Venkatesh describes the captaincy as 'just a tag', emphasizing that every player can impact the team's success. Currently, KKR and Delhi Capitals are the only teams without named captains for IPL 2025, which is set to kick off on March 22 with a match between KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
"Absolutely, I'm prepared. I've always maintained that captaincy is merely a tag. What truly matters is being a leader, which is a much larger responsibility," ESPNcricinfo quoted Venkatesh as stating.
"You don’t have to hold the title of captain to lead in your locker room. It's essential to set examples and be a role model, both on and off the field, which I am currently doing in MP. Although I’m not the captain of the MP team, my views are valued, and I thrive in an environment where everyone—whether new or experienced, earning 20 lakhs or 20 crore—can express themselves freely and share their opinions in a constructive manner.
"I've always aspired to be that individual. If captaincy is offered to me, I would wholeheartedly embrace it. There’s no uncertainty regarding this. If the opportunity arises, I will certainly accept it; there’s no reason not to," he added.
KKR released their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer prior to the auction, who was subsequently acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. Shreyas will captain Punjab in the forthcoming season.
Venkatesh made his IPL debut in 2021 and was instrumental in the remarkable turnaround of Kolkata Knight Riders that season. After a shaky start with four losses in six matches, KKR rallied back with seven victories in nine games to reach the final, with Venkatesh’s promotion to the top of the batting order playing a crucial role.
Since then, his position has evolved, moving to No. 3 and lower in the batting order while also providing bowling support as needed. Over the course of 51 matches for KKR—the only franchise he has represented—Venkatesh Iyer has scored 1,326 runs at a strike rate of 137, affirming his importance as a versatile player for the team.
