SRH had not even submitted to Venkatesh Iyer at the mega auction IPL 2025. LSG and RCB were the other two teams that showed interest in versatile, outside KKR.
The commercial window remains open, the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2026 still in a few months. Sanju Samson seems to have mounted all the spotlights with his exit from the Royals of Rajasthan (RR) almost confirmed. But this is perhaps not the only commercial news. Venkatesh Iyer of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could also leave them.
Venkatesh Iyer’s prize burden
Last month, it was reported that Venkatesh could leave the franchise, with whom he has been since 2021. Aside from KKR, the versatile did not play for any other team. This was its importance that KKR bought him for Rs 23.75 crore at the mega sale at IPL 2025 auction.
Venkatesh experienced two consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. But with Shreyas Iyer left and a huge price hovering above his head, the 30-year-old could not occur. The versatile presented in 11 games but had the chance to beat in just 7.
VenkATESH IPL IPL 2025 Statistics
| Matches | Sleeve | Shopping | Average | Strike Rate |
50s | Upper Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 7 | 142 | 20.28 | 139.21 | 1 | 60 |
Does KKR-SRH trade occur?
KKR was expected to release Venkatesh before the IPL 2026 season. And when it was reported that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could be interested and could even send Ishan Kishan with other players or players, it made sense.
But Venkatesh is aware of nothing. He did not recognize if he has heard of a potential trade that was performing with SRH, but says that KKR has not transmitted any information to him.
“I have absolutely no clue. There was nothing at all from the direction of the KKR “,” Venkatesh said Sportskeed.
Earlier this month, KKR’s former KKR striker Aakash Chopra also shared his opinion on the issue. Since Venkatesh was worth 20% of the Total IPL auction bag, Aakash thinks that releases it is perfectly logical. They can always buy it at a lower price and can get one or more players for the remaining handbag.
“KKR should be the most desperate team. However, Ajinkya Rahane, as a striker, either he opens, or the order of striker, was a bit of a problem. They have a player they can also free. If they wish, they can free Venkatesh Iyer, free almost 24 crores, and then they can make a difference,” Said Chopra.
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