Venkatesh Iyer named vice-captain for IPL 2025

Venkatesh Iyer has been named vice-captain for the IPL 2025 season and is ready to take on the challenge. He wants to contribute to the team beyond just his batting and bowling skills. The support from Kolkata fans inspires him to perform well and pursue his ultimate goal of playing Test cricket for India. The Kolkata team will begin their IPL 2025 campaign at Eden Gardens today against Bengaluru. Iyer sees his new role as both an honor and a responsibility. He feels a strong connection to Kolkata, emphasizing that playing for this team is about representing the whole region. The energy from the fans and the team's rich history makes playing here special for him. Eden Gardens is Iyer's dream venue. His first visit was memorable, and he recalls how thrilling it was to hear the crowd support. He believes that the energy from the fans motivates players to perform at their best. Iyer's journey in the IPL has had challenges. Early on, he played freely, but as expectations rose, he began to overthink. In 2022, he lost focus on playing when discussions about a potential World Cup call-up arose. This experience taught him the importance of living in the moment. The recent auction was significant for him, with the Kolkata franchise investing heavily to keep him. While happy about the financial aspect, Iyer sees this as a greater responsibility. He believes that once the match starts, the pressure from the price tag fades away. Iyer aims to impact the game in multiple ways. Even if he doesn't score runs, he can still help with bowling, fielding, or providing strategic input. He views this season as a chance to assist the team in any possible way. For Iyer, the fans are the heart of the Kolkata team. Their loyal support, even during tough seasons, makes winning more meaningful. He sees last year's trophy win as a reward for the fans' unwavering faith. Although the IPL is his current focus, Iyer ultimately aims to play Test cricket for India. He believes this goal is achievable by performing well at the domestic level. For now, he plans to focus on his contributions to the team.