Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer answered his critics in style with a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. Iyer had been under scrutiny for his hefty ₹23.75 crore price tag but proved his worth when it mattered most.

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Ahead of this season KKR released Iyer after their IPL 2024-winning campaign only to buy him back for a staggering amount at the mega auction using the Right to Match (RTM) card. His price was the third-highest in IPL 2025, behind Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore). However his slow start to the season with just nine runs in three matches (including one game where he didn’t bat) led to mounting pressure.

Following his impactful knock against SRH Iyer addressed the ongoing debate over his price tag at the post-match press conference.

"I won't lie, there is a little pressure. You guys talk so much. But being the highest-paid player (in KKR) does not mean I have to make runs in every match," he said.

When asked if the pressure had eased after this performance Iyer flipped the question back to the reporters.

"You tell me? The pressure will be released when… I keep saying this: After starting the IPL, it doesn't matter if you're getting ₹20 lakh or ₹20 crore. I'm a player of the team who wants to contribute to the team's victory," he added.

Iyer also emphasized that his role in the team extends beyond just scoring runs.

"Sometimes there will be very tricky situations where my job will be to play out some overs, and even if I do that and don't score runs, I have worked for my team."

Speaking about the match conditions at Eden Gardens, Iyer praised KKR’s bowling attack for using the pitch well.

"It was a good competitive pitch. We bowled very well. We had a par score on Eden. We have used the conditions and the pitch well. I never believe that the pitch should be like this or that. We are professional cricketers. So obviously, we will adjust to it. But yes, if we get what we want in our home, it will be great for us."