 "Venkatesh Iyer reveals his second most preferred team for IPL 2026: 'If not KKR, then...'")
Venkatesh Iyer will be among the hottest properties in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction that takes place next month in Abu Dhabi. The all-rounder was re-signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the last auction for a stunning Rs 23.75 crore, the third highest in the league’s history. However, a poor IPL 2025 for Iyer and for KKR has pushed him back into the auction.
Iyer has been playing the IPL since 2021 and has only played for KKR till now. The Kolkata franchise bought him in last year’s auction after a fierce bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Iyer could not justify his price tag and scored just 142 runs last season. He averaged just 20.28 which was considerably lower than his average of 46.25 in 2024 IPL. His strike rate too dipped sharply last year and due to his big price tag, KKR has released him back into the auction.
Where will Venkatesh Iyer go at IPL 2026 auction?
A left-handed batter who can also roll his arms when needed, Iyer will be once again high demand come the auction. KKR who enter the event with an enormous purse of Rs 64 crore, will be frontrunner to buy him back but other teams too would be eager to add Iyer to their squad.
In a recent interview with Crictracker, the all-rounder said that, in his heart, he still wants to go to KKR. He said he had no second favourite destination and would give his best wherever he goes.
“For players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL,” he told CricTracker. “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.
“If not KKR, then anywhere else. Everyone knows that wherever I go, I will look to give my best. Not just in terms of my batting or bowling, but also, I can contribute in terms of leadership and suggestions to the captain,” he added.
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