Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to release Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of this year’s retention window. The announcement came on November 15, marking the end of a five-season association between the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder and the franchise he helped lift the title with in 2024.
Bought for a massive INR 23.75 crores at the previous mega-auction, Venkatesh failed to justify the price tag in IPL 2025, leading to his release just weeks before the December 16 auction.
Despite the setback, Venkatesh Iyer has made it clear that his heart still lies with the Kolkata-based franchise. Speaking to Crictracker about his future, he expressed unwavering affection for KKR, saying, “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. I want to continue the legacy. I want to bring more glory to KKR. Because they have shown so much faith in me.”
The sentiment is significant, especially considering Venkatesh’s journey with the franchise. Since making his debut in IPL 2021, he has been an integral part of KKR’s setup, playing five consecutive seasons and contributing notably to their resurgence. His standout year came in IPL 2024, where he amassed 370 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 46.25 and a blistering strike rate of 158.79, including four half-centuries. His performances were instrumental in guiding KKR to their third IPL title.
However, the drop in form in 2025 was stark. Managing just 142 runs at an average of 20.28 and a strike rate below 140, with only one fifty to his name, Venkatesh struggled to replicate the impact he had the previous year. The dip played a major role in KKR’s decision to release him and explore other options for the upcoming season.
Yet, the possibility of a reunion cannot be ruled out. KKR has a history of releasing and re-signing players at more economical prices, a strategy they previously employed at the IPL 2025 auction. Given Venkatesh’s experience, versatility, and proven match-winning ability, he remains a valuable prospect who could draw interest from multiple teams—possibly including KKR once again.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, Venkatesh Iyer enters the pool seeking a fresh start, but with the hope that his next chapter may still be written in purple and gold.
