‘It exists. You can’t ignore it’: KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer admits pressure of Rs 23.75 cr price tag | Cricket News – The Times of India

Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) participant Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired for Rs 23.75 crore within the earlier 12 months’s public sale, acknowledged the pressure related along with his vital switch charge.
Iyer, now 30, is the third-highest-paid participant in IPL historical past. He has been appointed vice-captain, with Ajinkya Rahane set to guide the crew.
During a press convention that includes Rahane, mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and Iyer, insights into the crew’s outlook and preparation for the upcoming season had been shared.
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Iyer, 30, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo, citing his in depth T20 expertise. “He’s been the most successful T20 player in history, so he brings a lot of experience to the table,” stated Iyer. “Nothing can beat experience. He’s played so many games; he’s won so many games for West Indies and the franchises that he’s played for.”
He additionally addressed the expectations tied to his price tag, including, “It exists. You can’t ignore it altogether, but when the IPL starts, it really doesn’t matter. You’re a part of a playing XI, a part of a team that is going out there to win.”
Bravo mentioned his intention to take care of the profitable methods from the earlier season and expressed pleasure about working with crew proprietor Shah Rukh Khan.
“It would be disrespectful of me to try to change some of the good things from the last season. It’s good to have a boss like Shah Rukh who is definitely really invested in the game… That energy and that vibe, I’m going to try to bring that here as well,” he added.

Pandit detailed the crew’s preparations and the arrogance increase from gamers’ worldwide experiences. “Every match is different, and we have been preparing since the Mumbai camp and now we have started the camp here as well… we are going to play as hard as possible,” he added. “The advantage that we’re going to get is the confidence level that they’re going to carry from the international level to KKR.”
“It’s an honour for me to lead this wonderful franchise. I’m really thankful and grateful to the management for giving me this opportunity,” stated skipper Rahane. “For me it is always about keeping it simple… We will obviously give our best this season.”
When requested about his batting place, Rahane added, “I have always played wherever the team wanted me to play. Team thinking has always come first.”
“It’s good to be back at Eden Gardens and we always love to play at Eden Gardens. The atmosphere, the energy, the passion which all the fans have,” he concluded.