Former KKR player and ex-Australia captain, Aaron Finch, has made his verdict regarding Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Venkatesh Iyer's future with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the
IPL 2026 auction looks uncertain, with strong indications that KKR is considering releasing him.
He was bought for a huge price of Rs 23.75 crore in the previous mega auction, but his performance in IPL 2025 did not justify this price. Iyer played 11 matches, scoring only 142 runs at an average of 20.29 with a strike rate of 139.22, and he did not bowl a single delivery during the season, which raised concerns about his impact as an all-rounder.
KKR's management is reportedly planning a major squad revamp after finishing eighth in IPL 2025. Releasing Iyer along with some overseas players could free up around Rs 40 crore, which KKR intends to use strategically in the IPL 2026 mini-auction to target quality players, particularly fast bowlers or fast-bowling all-rounders like Cameron Green.
Amid this, Finch has made it clear that the Knight Riders must release the all-rounder to create funds in the auction. The southpaw exceeded the expected price mark in the mega auction, and is set to be shipped away.
"Paying 23.75 crore is too high for a player like Venkatesh Iyer, who has been used out of position as a middle-order batter without utilising his bowling. While Venkatesh Iyer has been a match-winner for KKR, being their top scorer in 2021 and helping them lift the trophy in 2024, his inconsistent role and high price tag don't align. KKR should consider releasing him to free up funds and potentially buy him back at a more reasonable price that matches his current role in the team," Finch said while speaking to Jio Hotstar.
There are also trade speculations involving Iyer potentially moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the high price tag complicates such moves.
