Venkatesh Iyer is "definitely ready" to lead KKR during the 2025 IPL.
India and Madhya Pradesh allrounder Venkatesh Iyer is "definitely ready" to captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in case the job is offered to him. After releasing Shreyas Iyer, who has taken over as the team's leader at Punjab Kings (PBKS), the defending champions, who will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural IPL 2025 match on March 22 at Eden Gardens, have yet to appoint a new captain. Iyer, who was purchased back for a record sum of INR 23.75 crore (approximately US$ 2.83 million), is said to be among the top contenders along with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane. KKR has not yet made public who their new captain will be. "To be a leader in your dressing room, you don't always need to be a captain. You need to set examples. On and off the field, you need to be a good role model, which I am right now in MP. I'm not the MP team captain, but my opinions are respected, and I really enjoy being in a setting where everyone, whether new or experienced, 20 lakhs or 20 crore, or whatever, has the freedom to express their thoughts. Or you just need to have the freedom to give opinions and give suggestions and them to be taken in the right spirit.
"Being that person has always been a dream of mine. And if I were offered captaincy, I would unquestionably want to take it. There's no ambiguity surrounded to this. If it comes my way, I will most certainly take it. There is no reason not to do it."
Iyer made his IPL debut in 2021 and was instrumental in turning around KKR's fortunes that season. They began with four losses in six games, but recovered in dramatic fashion, putting up seven wins in nine games to make the final. Iyer's installation at the top of the order played a part in the upswing but his role has since diversified. He shifted to No. 3 (and lower) last year and has also chipped in with the ball when needed. In total, Iyer has contributed 1326 runs in 51 matches for KKR with a strike rate of 137. It is the only franchise he has ever played for.
One potential reason KKR haven't announced the captain for IPL 2025 could be the busy Indian domestic schedule. At the time of the mega auction, which was held late November, Iyer was among several KKR players featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where Madhya Pradesh lost in the final to Mumbai. The second leg of the Ranji Trophy followed, with the final on February 26.
Iyer stated that he was pleased that KKR decided not to bother the players during the current domestic season. "It's good that they're letting players focus on domestic cricket and giving them space. Whenever it comes, we'll see about it."
