"T20 World Cup Talks Were There, But..." – KKR's Venkatesh Iyer Focuses on Present
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Venkatesh Iyer, the newly appointed vice-captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has learned the importance of focusing on the present through challenging experiences. The KKR all-rounder was rapidly integrated into the Indian T20I team in 2021 following an impressive performance in the latter half of IPL 2020. Although he was considered for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad, this prospect distracted him from performing well in his current matches.
Iyer faced a disappointing IPL season in 2022, which resulted in his exclusion from the Indian white-ball teams after participating in 9 T20Is and 2 ODIs.
Nevertheless, Iyer made a remarkable comeback. While he has yet to regain his position in the national team, he has established himself as one of KKR's most reliable batsmen. In IPL 2023, he scored 404 runs at a strike rate of 145.85, followed by 370 runs at a strike rate of 158.80 the following year. Notably, in 2023, he became the first KKR player since Brendon McCullum to achieve an IPL century.
Although KKR could not retain him after their championship victory last year, the defending champions invested a substantial ₹23.75 crore during the mega auction to bring him back.
He was also appointed the vice-captain of the side.
Reflecting on his path to becoming the vice-captain of the team, he remarked, “In 2022, there were discussions regarding my inclusion in the [T20] World Cup squad. Instead of concentrating on my current matches, I found myself preoccupied with thoughts of the World Cup. Ultimately, I ended up missing out on both opportunities. That experience served as a pivotal moment for me, highlighting the importance of living in the present. This lesson was further emphasized when an injury kept me off the field for six to eight months. That period taught me a great deal about gratitude. Often, in our quest for something remarkable, we overlook the value of what we already possess. These insights are not solely my own—Shah Rukh Khan shared this wisdom with me,” Iyer stated during his appearance on Backstage with Boria.
KKR is set to commence their IPL 2025 season on March 22 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. Preparations are underway, and many will be watching Iyer closely now that he has officially joined the leadership group.
“The IPL 2025 auction was a transformative experience for me. The middle-class individual in me felt immense joy at the financial reward! I won’t deny that. However, as the bidding intensified between KKR and RCB, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, it’s gratifying to know that I’ve achieved something significant in my career that prompted teams to invest in me. On the other hand, I recognize that this comes with substantial responsibility. To claim there is no pressure would be untrue. Naturally, there is pressure, and it is essential. Yet, once the match begins, all of that fades away. Whether I am valued at ₹20 lakh or ₹20 crore, my responsibilities remain unchanged,” he concluded.
Iyer had a special appreciation for his home crowd.
Stepping onto the pitch at Eden Gardens, a venue I regard as sacred, and witnessing the roar of thousands of fans rallying behind you and your team is an unparalleled experience for any cricketer. It feels as though 70,000 to 80,000 supporters are backing you, energizing every move you make. This atmosphere truly brings out your best performance.
Regarding team owner Shahrukh Khan, he remarked, "He embodies more than just a franchise owner; he exudes the warmth of an older brother. His presence makes you feel supported at all times. A franchise owner need not be as approachable and humble as he is, especially someone of his stature as a global icon. Yet, he remains remarkably grounded. When you encounter him, it inspires a desire to achieve something extraordinary for him. You think, 'I want to do something special for this man. I want to make Shah Rukh bhai proud.'"
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