Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is set to be one of the major attractions in the IPL 2026 mini-auction after it was released. Bought for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore, Iyer was one of the most expensive players in IPL history, but the price did not translate into on-field output during the 2025 season. The left-handed batsman could only score 142 runs in seven innings, which was well below expectations and far from the promise of his talent.
Despite the quiet season, Iyer remains a dynamic batting all-rounder with proven match-winning ability. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer's versatility, ability to bat at multiple positions and handy medium pace make him an attractive option for many teams looking to strengthen their middle order. He is also a potential captain, having previously captained a few domestic teams in white-ball cricket.
Here are 3 teams who could start a bidding war for Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2026 auction
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could be one of the first franchises to show interest in Iyer. His style of play matches perfectly with CSK's batting philosophy, where players take time to settle before accelerating. With Shivam Dubey anchoring the middle overs, Iyer can complement him well, providing stability and power in the middle phase.
CSK also values players with adaptability and Iyer being left-handed adds balance to their batting unit. Furthermore, the five-time champions were also struggling with their top-order, as Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tripathi looked very unhappy with their ability to hit big shots in the middle, something they might have been able to counter if they had included the Indore-born player.
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