Venkatesh Iyer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 23.75 crore
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer says he is prepared to lead Kolkata Knight Riders if given the opportunity in the IPL 2025 despite having no captaincy experience at any levels in competitive cricket. The reigning champions, who will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game this season at the Eden Gardens, are yet to announce their captain. Shreyas Iyer had led them to the title win in IPL 2024, but he was acquired by Punjab Kings in the mega auction and later named him as their skipper. Definitely, I'm ready. Again, I've always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader, Venkatesh told ESPNcricinfo. There's no ambiguity surrounding this. I'll definitely do it, if it comes my way. There is no reason not to do it, he added. Iyer said the captain needs to set an example by being a good role model". "You don't necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples.
The defending champions will play three of their first five matches at their home ground, Eden Gardens
Sunrisers Hyderabad, last year's IPL runners-up, will begin their 2025 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 23 in an afternoon match.
There are 12 double-headers to be played during Indian Premier League 2025. On the double-header days, afternoon matches will begin at 3:30 PM IST while the evening matches begins at 7:30 AM IST.
Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Qualifier 2 and the grand final will take place in Kolkata, according to media reports
Indian T20I skipper represented KKR in IPL from 2014 to 2017 before joining MI in 2018
IPL 2025 is scheduled to kick off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, as by tradition the first match of the season is hosted at the home ground of the previous edition's winners
IPL 2025 auction saw Rs 639.15 crore spent on 182 players in Jeddah. Rishabh Pant led with Rs 27 crore, followed by Shreyas Iyer at Rs 26.75 crore, as teams focused on top Indian talent.
RCB have acquired the services of Tim David while CSK get hold of Deepak Hooda for Rs 1.70 Crore.
Check the remaining purse of all 10 IPL franchises at IPL 2025 mega auction
Check Kolkata Knight Riders' full squad, players' salary, most expensive player, list of retained players ahead of IPL 2025 here
Following Pant closely, is his Indian teammate Shreyas Iyer who was bought for Rs 26.75 Crore in the auction by the Punjab Kings who came in with a hefty purse with them.
David Warner and Devdutt Padikkal went unsold on Day 1 of IPL 2025 mega auction. Check full list of players bought at IPL auction and costliest buy list here
At Rs 27 crore, Rishabh Pant emerges as the costliest player in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer is the second costliest player in Indian Premier League
All the 10 franchisees are set to spend a total of Rs 641.5 crore during the IPL 2025 Mega auction which is scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah.
Who is the most costliest player in IPL history? Check the full list of expensive players in IPL 2025 mega auction here
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, some big names are expected to attract substantial bids, sparking multiple bidding wars between franchises eager to sign their desired players.
The 2025 season will feature 74 matches, maintaining the format used in the previous three seasons
As the fans and cricketers gear up for the IPL 2025 mega auction on Nov 24, and 25, check auction live timings, remaining purse, base price, live streaming and telecast here