Purchased at a whopping INR 23.75 crore in the auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Venkatesh Iyer has finally accepted the baggage of expectations coming with such an enormous price.
But after faltering with his bat in some of the early matches, he made a grand statement with an explosive 60 off mere 29 balls that helped KKR achieve a 200-run stronghold over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Responding to queries regarding the burden of his record-breaking price in a post-match press conference on Thursday, Iyer answered with a calm and confident approach.
"Once IPL begins, it doesn't matter if you were sold for Rs 20 lakh or 20 crore. The money doesn't determine how you will play cricket," Iyer said, ruling out the idea that monetary valuation determines on-field performance.
Supporting Team Members and Focusing on Team Success
Iyer also used the chance to laud the terrific contribution of his teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who was purchased for INR 3 crore and has been contributing considerably. Although appreciating his identity as KKR's costliest acquisition of the season, Iyer emphasized that the amount is not an indicator that he will have to play in every match.
"We have a young boy named Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and he is doing terrific. I understand questions will be raised about high payment and expectations, but my agenda is to assist the team in winning. At times, the game requires you to play a few balls out to stabilize the innings. Even if I don't make big scores, if I can do my job well, I've done my job. Just because I'm the highest-paid player does not mean I need to perform in every single game—it's about impacting where it counts," he clarified.
Managing Pressure and Keeping the Focus on Performance
Iyer openly acknowledged that there is pressure but explained that it has nothing to do with the money—his main issue is helping the team succeed.
"Yes, there is some pressure, I won't lie. But the pressure is not about money; it's about how I can contribute to the team's success," he stressed.
In the game, Iyer wreaked havoc on SRH captain Pat Cummins, thrashing him for 20 runs off an over. But he asserted that his concentration is always on the ball, not the bowler.
"I don't think about who is bowling. My concentration is always on what is being bowled and how the field is being set," he stated.
Tactical Insights and Team Strength
Iyer further disclosed how comments from his teammate Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi taught him to read the tough pitches.
"The primary communication was done by Ajinkya and Angkrish in the middle. They told us that the pitch was not an easy one to bat on—the ball was seaming and turning. So, it was important for us not to waste deliveries while getting to understand the conditions. Luckily, we have the luxury of hard-hitters like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh towards the backend—our engine room which can tear any bowling unit apart," said Iyer.
With his game-winning innings and unflappable attitude, Iyer has proved that he is more concerned with contributing winning performances to KKR than basking in the glory of his tag.
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