Venkatesh Iyer

A Cricketer with a Unique Path

Born on Christmas Day in 1994, Venkatesh Rajasekaran Iyer is an Indian cricketer known for his aggressive left-handed batting and right-arm medium-fast bowling. But his path to the professional stage was far from typical — it began with a strong foundation in academics, even while he was making his initial forays into cricket.

Iyer first stepped onto the Twenty20 stage for Madhya Pradesh against the Railways team in March 2015. Later that year, in December, he made his List A debut against Saurashtra. What's truly remarkable is that he achieved these milestones while diligently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

His commitment to education didn't stop there. Iyer successfully cleared the CA Intermediate examinations, a challenging hurdle in the chartered accountancy field. However, at a pivotal moment, he made a strategic decision: to drop out and enroll in a Master of Business Administration in Finance, primarily to create more time and flexibility to dedicate himself fully to cricket.

Rising Through Domestic Ranks

After establishing his white-ball presence, Iyer made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in the prestigious Ranji Trophy in December 2018. This marked his entry into the longest format of domestic cricket, showcasing his adaptability.

The 2021-22 domestic season proved to be his breakthrough. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he led Madhya Pradesh in scoring with 155 runs at an impressive average of 51.66. He then carried this scintillating form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer amassed 379 runs at an outstanding average of 63.16, maintaining a strike rate of over 133 while batting in the lower middle order. He notched up two centuries, including a monumental 151, becoming the first batsman to score 150 or more from the number six position or lower in the tournament's history.

Beyond his explosive batting, Iyer also demonstrated his all-round capabilities, snaring nine crucial wickets in just six matches. This dual threat truly caught the attention of scouts and selectors across the country, setting the stage for bigger opportunities.

IPL Stardom with Kolkata Knight Riders

The Indian Premier League beckoned! In February 2021, Venkatesh Iyer was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the IPL auction. While the season started, his big moment arrived when the tournament resumed in the United Arab Emirates later that year.

On September 20, 2021, Iyer made his much-anticipated IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Just three days later, he announced his arrival in style, smashing his maiden IPL fifty against the formidable Mumbai Indians. This was just the beginning of a spectacular run.

Iyer rapidly emerged as a key player for KKR, playing a pivotal role in their surprising run to the final. He scored 370 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 129, often providing explosive starts at the top of the order.

His impact was undeniable, earning him the 'Player of the Match' award in the second qualifier for a vital knock of 55 runs. He followed this with another half-century in the final, sharing a 91-run opening stand with Shubman Gill—though KKR ultimately fell short of the trophy.

Then, on April 16, 2023, Iyer etched his name into KKR's history books by scoring his maiden IPL century, a dazzling 104 runs off just 51 balls against Mumbai Indians. He became only the second batter to achieve this feat for KKR, 15 years after Brendon McCullum's iconic century in the inaugural IPL match.

His value to the team was reaffirmed on November 24, 2024, when KKR bought him back for a staggering Rs. 23.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. He was also appointed the vice-captain for the 2025 season, a testament to his leadership qualities.

Journey to Team India

Iyer's impressive performances didn't go unnoticed by national selectors. Before his international playing debut, he was asked to stay back in the UAE as a net bowler for India's squad during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, giving him valuable exposure to the highest level.

In November 2021, he received his maiden call-up to the Indian T20 International squad for the series against New Zealand. He made his T20I debut on November 17, 2021, for India, and in the final match of the series, he even made his international bowling debut, taking a wicket while conceding just 12 runs from three overs.

His versatility continued to impress, leading to his inclusion in India's One Day International squad in December 2021 for the series against South Africa. He made his ODI debut on January 19, 2022, marking his entry into another format of international cricket.

Iyer continued to play a 'finishing role' in the lower middle order for India during the T20I series against the West Indies in January 2022, scoring his runs at an explosive strike rate of 179.24 and chipping in with two wickets. He was also part of India's T20I squad for the series against Ireland in June 2022.

A New Chapter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru

After his successful tenure with KKR, the wheel of the IPL auction turned again. Ahead of the 2026 IPL season, Venkatesh Iyer was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he didn't stay unpicked for long.

On December 16, 2025, Venkatesh Iyer found a new home, being bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 7 crore. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the dynamic all-rounder, as he looks to bring his explosive batting and handy bowling to a new franchise.