Why KKR picked Venkatesh Iyer during trials: Abhishek Nayar reveals
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed the real reason behind picking Venkatesh Iyer. The all-rounder, recently released by the Knight Riders, is set to go under the hammer in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction with a base price of ₹2 crore. Nayar said it was Iyer's attitude that drew him toward him during trials, not just his performance numbers.
Initial perception
First impression of Iyer during trials
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on DD Sports, Nayar recalled his first impression of Iyer during trials. He said, "On day one, Venkatesh Iyer walked in with swagger; he performed, but he never looked at us or tried to please anyone." The KKR head coach thought that the player had a lot of attitude and was impressed by his confidence.
Resilience
Determination in the face of adversity
Nayar also recalled an incident from the trials, where Iyer's determination stood out. He said, "On day two, we gave him a game. In the final over, when our bowler cramped, Venky shouted from the boundary, 'I will bowl the last over.' He bowled and conceded 18 runs." The KKR head coach was impressed by Iyer's willingness to take on challenges and prove himself.
Career highlights
Iyer's journey with KKR in IPL
Iyer made his IPL debut in 2021 and scored 370 runs in 10 matches, helping KKR reach the final. However, they lost the summit clash to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In their title-winning year of 2024, Iyer again scored 370 runs, this time with a strike rate of 158.79. However, his performance tanked in 2025 as he managed just 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.28 (SR: 139.21).