The trade window remains open, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction still a few months away. Sanju Samson seems to have hogged all the limelight with his exit from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) almost confirmed. But that may not be the only trade news. Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Venkatesh Iyer might be leaving them as well.
Venkatesh Iyer’s price tag burden
Last month, it was reported that Venkatesh could leave the franchise, with whom he has been since 2021. Apart from KKR, the all-rounder hasn’t played for any other team. Such was his importance that KKR bought him for Rs 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Venkatesh had two consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. But with Shreyas Iyer gone and a huge price tag hovering over his head, the 30-year-old wasn’t able to perform. The all-rounder featured in 11 matches but got a chance to bat in just 7.
Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025 Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 7 | 142 | 20.28 | 139.21 | 1 | 60 |
Is the KKR-SRH trade happening?
It was expected that KKR would release Venkatesh before the IPL 2026 season. And when it was reported that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) might be interested and could even send Ishan Kishan along with some other player or players, it made sense.
But Venkatesh isn’t privy to anything. He didn’t acknowledge whether he’s heard anything about a potential trade happening with SRH but says that KKR hasn’t conveyed any information to him regarding the matter.
“I have got absolutely no clue. There has been nothing at all from the KKR management also,” Venkatesh told Sportskeeda.
Earlier this month, former KKR batter Aakash Chopra had also shared his opinion on the matter. Considering that Venkatesh was worth 20% of the total IPL auction purse, Aakash believes that releasing him makes perfect sense. They can always buy him back for a lower price and can get one or more players for the remaining purse.
“KKR should be the most desperate team. However, Ajinkya Rahane, as a batter, either he opens or else the batting order, has been a bit of a problem. They have a player they can release as well. If they wish, they can release Venkatesh Iyer, free up nearly ₹24 crore, and then they can actually make a difference,” Chopra said.
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