3 reasons why KKR must buy back Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026 Auction 

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), along expected lines, released all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction. He was roped in for an astronomical sum of INR 23.75 crore during the previous auction, but has now been released as the three-time champions aim for a massive rebuild with a stunning purse of INR 64.30 crore.

Venkatesh Iyer could not justify his price tag in the 2025 season, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches, his lowest run tally for a campaign since his debut in 2021. KKR have went all-out in the past for the player, whether it be in terms of retentions or during auctions, and it remains to be seen whether they will once again seek for his services to continue their association.

On that note, let us take a look at three reasons why KKR must buy back Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026 Auction.

#1 Venkatesh Iyer is a vital cog in the KKR batting setup in terms of versatiltiy and impact

KKR were one of the franchises that strictly adhered to a dynamic batting line-up outside of the opening combination. In their title-winning campaign, after Sunil Narine and Phil Salt's opening stands, which could range anywhere on the spectrum due to their high-octane style, the franchise needed batters in the middle order capable of playing in any situation and any position.

Venkatesh Iyer is one such batter who can function in any batting position from top to bottom. He began as an opener in the KKR setup, functioned as a finisher for India, and has now largely settled into the middle order. Capable of holding the innings together in case of an early collapse, and ensuring the flow of momentum after a good start, KKR need his services as a link between the top order and the finishers.

Although he may not have had a good season in 2025 while adopting that role, that is not a reason to sever ties with him altogether. The only reason he was released was due to his insanely high price point and KKR's desperate need to revamp after a tough campaign.

The fact that he can function in almost any batting role possible, and the potential impact he can deliver if things click are more than enough reasons for KKR to bring Venkatesh Iyer back into the setup for yet another time.

#2 KKR will need a left-handed option for the middle overs

The three-time winners have a quite right-handed dominant batting setup. They already have Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi as right-handed options in the middle order. The list might have another name in Cameron Green as well if KKR go all out for him, making the right-handed dominance even more.

In such a setup, KKR desperately need a left-handed batter to even things up, otherwise they leave the batting unit exposed to be pinned down in the middle overs by spinners that can turn the ball away. With Rinku Singh mostly coming down the order, they need another left-handed batter who has a solid record against spin.

The franchise need not look far to seek such a candidate since they already had one who is capable of playing such a role. In fact, KKR are not blessed with the liberty of choices to fill the spot due to limited options in the mini auction player pool. Which is why going in for Iyer once again is the most sensible option.

The southpaw has always been an impact-oriented player which has affected his run tally at times. As a result, although he may not have a 500-run season, his strike rates are always on the higher side, aligning with the role he has been asked to fulfill.

In the IPL, Venkatesh Iyer has a strike rate of 138.27 against wrist spinners, and although that number may have dipped in the 2025 season, the potential to be tapped into is still there.

#3 He is familiar with the setup, part of the core, and ideal for KKR's batting template

KKR had to accept their fate of parting ways with the majority of their core after the 2024 season. They lost some key players like Phil Salt, Mitchell Starc, Shreyas Iyer, and even head coach Gautam Gambhir. And now the link with the core is further weakening as the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell also being released.

In their quest for a revamp, a franchise like KKR, which are built on principle and values, cannot completely cut ties with their core group altogether. Although key members like Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Rinku Singh still there, with Abhishek Nayar as well, it is important for the team to have as many players who are familiar with their ethos as possible.

Venkatesh Iyer is more than familiar with everything KKR represents, having been a key project of theirs since 2021. He ticks several of the franchise's boxes on and off the field, and the fact that he was vice-captain of the side is a major indicator as to how much the team values his presence, input, and impact.

Edited by Gokul Nair