The Kolkata Knight Riders have explained their decision to release Venkatesh Iyer, an expensive acquisition from the 2025 mega-auction, ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The all-rounder, who commanded a staggering INR 23.75 crore, will now enter the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore. Despite a subpar performance last season, where he scored 142 runs in 11 matches and failed to impress with his bowling, Iyer is still considered a key Indian all-rounder. His presence in the INR 2 crore category makes him a hot prospect for franchises looking to strengthen their squads. The mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, has a limited number of available slots, promising an intense bidding war for top players.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore suggested that the substantial price tag might have created undue pressure on Venkatesh Iyer, potentially affecting his game. He highlighted the franchise’s strategy of maintaining financial flexibility and adaptability for auctions. Mysore stated that the decision was primarily influenced by the mini-auction’s structure, which allows for more strategic team adjustments. He also expressed concerns about the impact of frequent mega-auctions on team building, arguing that franchises investing in talent development should not be penalized by having to dismantle successful squads. The focus is now on how KKR will navigate the auction and whether they will consider reacquiring Iyer.