With seam-bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer unexpectedly fetching a hefty amount of ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction from Kolkata Knight Riders, former IPL great Robin Uthappa justified the same. Uthappa took to his official account on X, claiming that it is the level of loyalty that wins championships.
Venkatesh had first emerged in the second half of IPL 2021, playing some impressive knocks as an opener for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 29-year-old had a stellar 2024 edition and played an integral role in the Knight Riders' title win, hammering 370 runs in 15 matches at 46.25 alongside a strike rate of 46.25. He slammed an unbeaten 51 against the SunRisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier and 58 not out against the same opponent in the final.
Excited to have you back with us, Venkatesh! pic.twitter.com/3CmYUiRUqw
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 24, 2024
Taking to X, Uthappa wrote:
"Overpriced?? Maybe!! But this is the level of loyalty that wins championships!! There is silent msg that goes around the group with this kind of a buy!! Well done @KKRiders