On the crucial day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer delivered a powerful statement with his bat. Playing for Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Iyer blasted a rapid 70 runs from just 43 deliveries against Punjab, sending a timely reminder to the ten franchises gathered in Abu Dhabi.
A Knock of Perfect Timing
The left-handed batsman, who was released by KKR after a disappointing 2025 season, chose the perfect moment to showcase his form. Opening the innings in an Elite Super League Group A match at the DY Patil Academy in Pune, Iyer's aggressive knock was laced with eight boundaries and two sixes. His innings was the cornerstone of Madhya Pradesh's total of 225 for 8, helping them recover from a middle-order stumble. The significance of this performance was amplified as it came mere hours before the IPL auction commenced, highlighting his readiness and value as a dynamic all-rounder.
From IPL Stardom to Release
Venkatesh Iyer's journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster. He burst onto the scene during the 2021 season in the UAE, playing a pivotal role in KKR's remarkable turnaround that took them to the final. His impactful performances as an opener earned him a debut for the Indian national team and established him as a reliable all-rounder. The peak of his IPL batting came in 2023 when he scored over 400 runs, including a century.
Following a solid 2024 season where he scored 370 runs in KKR's title-winning campaign, Iyer was bought back by the franchise for a staggering ₹23.75 crores in the 2025 mega auction. However, the burden of the massive price tag seemed to affect him. The 2025 season proved underwhelming as he managed only 142 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 139.22. This dip in form, coupled with the team's strategy around the Impact Player rule, which often limited his bowling opportunities, led to his release from the three-time champions.
What This Innings Means for His Future
Iyer's explosive half-century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy serves as a crucial audition. It reminds potential suitors of his ability to dominate the powerplay and his experience as a proven match-winner. While he has often been used primarily as a batter in recent seasons, his skills as a pace-bowling all-rounder remain an attractive package for any IPL team looking for balance. This timely innings could reignite interest and potentially lead to a new IPL contract, offering him a fresh start to rebuild his franchise cricket career.
