Venkatesh Iyer Ready to Lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025

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Venkatesh Iyer, the all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders, has expressed his readiness to lead the team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, despite having no prior captaincy experience in competitive cricket. Iyer believes that captaincy is just a tag and that leadership is a bigger role to play, where one needs to set examples and be a good role model, both on and off the field. The defending champions, KKR, are yet to announce their captain for the new season after releasing Shreyas Iyer, who will now be captaining Punjab Kings.

Iyer, who was brought back by KKR for a massive sum of Rs 23.75 crores, is understood to be a top contender for captaincy alongside Indian veteran Ajinkya Rahane. He has never led in competitive cricket, but he is willing to take on the captaincy experience. Iyer has scored 1,326 runs in 51 IPL matches, all for the Knight Riders, with a strike rate of over 137 and 11 fifties. He has also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets with his useful pace bowling. The team will start their trophy defence in the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at their home arena of Eden Gardens.

The decision to appoint a new captain has been delayed, possibly due to the busy domestic calendar, with several KKR stars playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy. Iyer has appreciated the fact that KKR has given the players their space and allowed them to focus on domestic cricket. He believes that whenever the decision is made, the team will be ready to move forward. Iyer's experience and performance in the IPL make him a strong candidate for the captaincy role, and his willingness to lead the team is a positive sign for KKR's future in the tournament.

Some of the key statistics for Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL include:

• Runs scored: 1,326
• Matches played: 51
• Strike rate: over 137
• Fifties: 11
• Wickets taken: 3

These statistics demonstrate Iyer's capabilities as a player and his potential to lead the team to success in the IPL. With his experience and skills, Iyer is a strong contender for the captaincy role, and his leadership could be a key factor in KKR's performance in the tournament.

The IPL 2025 season is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams having strengthened their squads during the mega auction. KKR will need to perform well in order to defend their title, and the appointment of a new captain will be a crucial decision in this regard. Iyer's readiness to lead the team and his belief in leadership as a key aspect of success make him a strong candidate for the role, and his experience and performance in the IPL will be important factors in the team's decision.

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