KKR secures Venkatesh Iyer for INR 23.25 crore in IPL mega auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent INR 23.25 crore to secure all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. KKR had no right-to-match option after retaining six players, leading to a bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Iyer had expressed to KKR that he would be disappointed if they did not pursue him in the auction. KKR CEO Venky Mysore confirmed this ultimatum, emphasizing the team's desire to keep their core players intact. The auction also saw other high-value deals, with Rishabh Pant sold for INR 27 crore and Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.25 crore. KKR retained several players before the auction and has since added multiple new signings, including Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.