Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer has made it clear that his hefty ₹23.75 crore price tag isn’t a burden, nor does it dictate his every move on the field. After a couple of underwhelming performances to start the IPL season, Iyer bounced back in style, smashing a 29-ball 60 that led KKR to an emphatic 80-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Speaking candidly at the post-match press conference, Iyer acknowledged the pressure but dismissed the notion that his price means he must score heavily in every outing.
“I won’t lie, there is a little pressure. You guys talk so much,” he quipped. “But being the highest-paid player doesn’t mean I have to score in every match. It’s about the impact I make and how I contribute to wins.”
Iyer, who was re-signed by KKR through the Right to Match (RTM) card during the mega auction, became their most expensive player and the third costliest in IPL history. His slow start to the season sparked debates, but his powerful innings against SRH was a resounding answer.
When asked whether the performance released the pressure of expectations, Iyer turned the question around:
“You tell me? Once the IPL starts, whether you’re paid ₹20 lakh or ₹20 crore, you’re a team player. Sometimes my job is just to hold one end—even if I don’t score, that’s still value to the team.”
Adapting to Conditions, Not Chasing Records
Addressing criticism around the Eden Gardens pitch, often viewed as unfriendly to KKR’s spin-heavy attack, Iyer said the team adapts to whatever is in front of them.
“We’re professionals. Of course, it helps to get conditions that suit us at home, but we never complain. We adjusted well today and used the surface to our advantage.”
KKR’s season had started shakily, with collapses against RCB and MI, drawing criticism for reckless batting. But Iyer clarified that KKR’s philosophy isn’t about all-out aggression.
“Aggression doesn’t mean swinging at everything. It’s about playing with positive, calculated intent. We’re not a team aiming for 250 one day and collapsing for 70 the next.”
In what seemed like a dig at SRH, who posted a record 286/6 earlier this season but have since slumped, Iyer emphasized consistency and smart cricket:
“We want to assess the pitch quickly and aim for a score that’s 20 runs above par—that’s our version of aggression.”
Partnership with Rinku Singh Seals the Deal
After losing Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi in quick succession, Iyer and Rinku Singh steadied the ship and then launched a final-overs assault, adding 91 runs together with 78 coming in the last five overs.
“The message during the timeout was clear—this wasn’t a pitch to start hitting from ball one. We had to take time and assess. The ball was gripping and turning, so a thoughtful approach was needed,” Iyer explained.
With his return to form and leadership at the crease, Iyer has not only justified his price tag for now but also reaffirmed that cricket, at its core, is still about smart, team-first decisions—not just big money or big hits.
