With the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) auction around the corner, the excitement is steadily building. Amid this, Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is once again at the center of discussions. Last IPL season, he was bought for ₹23.75 crore but couldn’t fully live up to expectations, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches. As a result, he was dropped from KKR’s retention list.
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Despite being released, several strong franchises are reportedly still interested in acquiring him. Sources suggest that two teams are ready to spend big at the upcoming IPL auction to secure his services.
Chennai Super Kings: Fighting with New Energy
Last season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had one of the toughest IPL campaigns of their career. Injuries to key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad further hampered the team’s performance, and they ended the season at the bottom of the points table. According to reports from CricTracker, CSK could spend heavily at the IPL 2026 auction to bring Venkatesh Iyer on board, aiming to strengthen their squad with renewed energy.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: A High-Profile Target
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also fell short of success last season despite strong efforts. However, the team plans to compete with full strength in the upcoming IPL. As part of their strategy, SRH is expected to target skilled and experienced players at the auction. Reports indicate that Venkatesh Iyer is on their wishlist, though the franchise has not officially confirmed anything.
With the IPL auction approaching, all eyes are on Venkatesh Iyer—how much he will go for and which team will secure his services has become one of the most exciting talking points among fans and analysts alike.