Venkatesh Iyer becomes highest-paid Indian player in IPL 2025 auction

In the IPL 2025 auction, Venkatesh Iyer was purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 23.5 crore, surpassing Virat Kohli's retained salary of Rs 21 crore. This makes Iyer the highest-paid Indian player in the upcoming season. The auction, taking place in Jeddah, also saw Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant sold for Rs 26.75 crore and Rs 27 crore, respectively. Venkatesh Iyer's price makes him the fourth most expensive player in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders have now bought two players for over Rs 20 crore in consecutive auctions, having previously acquired Mitchell Starc for Rs 24.75 crore in IPL 2024.