The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is just a few weeks away, but defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet to officially announce their captain. Venkatesh Iyer, the team’s star all-round player, has made it clear where he stands on the captaincy issue.
Venkatesh, who was re-bought by KKR for a record amount of ₹ 23.75 crore in the auction held in Jeddah last year, made it clear in a recent interview that if he is entrusted with this responsibility, he is fully ready.
“If I get a chance, I am fully ready” – Venkatesh Iyer
Advertisement
Venkatesh Iyer said about his captaincy claim, “Absolutely, I am ready. I have always said that captaincy is just a tag. The real role is to be a leader, which is a big responsibility. There is no doubt that if I get this opportunity, I will definitely take it. There is no reason not to do it. “
KKR is currently thinking of deciding between Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer regarding their captaincy. However, no official announcement has been made yet.
“It is not necessary to be a captain to be a leader” – Venkatesh
Venkatesh Iyer further said that leadership is not limited to captaincy only
He said, “You do not need the tag of captaincy to be a leader in the dressing room. You have to set an example. You have to be an ideal role model on and off the field, which I am currently doing for the Madhya Pradesh team.” The left-handed batsman also said that even though he does not have captaincy experience in any format, he considers himself an inspirational leader. Also, he talked about giving full support to the young players of the team.
Advertisement
Iyer further said, “I am not the captain of the Madhya Pradesh team, but my opinion is valued. I would always like to be in a place where every player – whether new or experienced, worth 20 lakhs or 20 crores, can express his opinion openly.”
Iyer has performed strongly in IPL
Venkatesh Iyer has consistently performed well since his IPL debut in 2021. In the 50 matches he has played, he has scored 1326 runs, his average is 31.57, and his strike rate is 137.13.
Now it will be interesting to see whether the KKR management hands over the captaincy to Venkatesh Iyer or the experienced Ajinkya Rahane is given this role. According to reports, the team management is currently waiting for the domestic cricket season to end, after which the captain will be announced.
IPL 2025 will start from March 22, KKR and RCB will clash in the first match
IPL 2025 will start on March 22, and in the tournament’s first match, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This match will be played on Saturday at 07:30 pm.
Now it remains to be seen who KKR hands over the responsibility of captaincy and whether Venkatesh Iyer gets this big opportunity.
Also Read: Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy Exit: 3 Big Reasons
Advertisement