‘If not KKR, then anywhere else’ – Venkatesh Iyer makes IPL 2026 auction aspirations clear

Venkatesh Iyer has been a one-team player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From the moment the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for the base price of INR 20 lakh in 2021, Venkatesh has been a ‘Knight’. He was granted a salary hike of 3900% in 2022 and then acquired for INR 23.75 crore in 2024.

Venkatesh Iyer wants KKR return

But now that he’s been released by KKR, before the IPL 2026 auction, where does he want to go? For Venkatesh, his loyalty still lies with Kolkata. The management has backed him for the last 5 years, and one can say he’s become a well-known name because of KKR.

“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. If not KKR, then anywhere else,” Venkatesh told CricTracker.

Venkatesh would happily go back to KKR. But if that doesn’t happen, he’ll give his all to whichever team he joins.

“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.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin had recently expressed that Chennai Super Kings might be interested in Venkatesh, and he’ll happily grab the opportunity to play alongside the likes of MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson.

Venkatesh Iyer teams & salary over the years

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