‘KKR kept Venkatesh Iyer on Shubman Gill in 2021’: Rs 23.75 Star full star on social networks
The reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders have now lost five of the eight games on the 2025 IPL…
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KKR’s Rs 23.75 Crore Star: The Inside Story Behind Venkatesh Iyer’s Rise Over Shubman Gill
What made KKR choose Venkatesh Iyer over their golden boy Shubman Gill in 2021? The answer involves Rs 23.75 crore, a bold strategy, and one of cricket’s most surprising success stories. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why this decision became the talk of social media and changed IPL dynamics forever.
The Shocking Decision That Changed Everything
In 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders made a move that left cricket fans scratching their heads. They decided to promote Venkatesh Iyer, a relatively unknown player at that time, ahead of Shubman Gill in their batting order. This wasn’t just any decision – it was a gamble that would eventually lead to Iyer becoming a Rs 23.75 crore sensation in the IPL auction years later.
Who is Venkatesh Iyer?
Before we dive deeper, let’s understand who this Rs 23.75 crore player really is. Venkatesh Iyer is an all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh who burst onto the IPL scene during the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He’s a left-handed batsman who can also bowl medium pace – a combination that makes him incredibly valuable in T20 cricket.
What makes Iyer special? His fearless batting style and ability to attack from ball one. Unlike many players who take time to settle, Venkatesh Iyer comes out swinging, which is exactly what KKR needed at the top of the order.
Why KKR Made This Bold Choice
KKR’s decision to keep Venkatesh Iyer ahead of Shubman Gill in certain situations wasn’t random. Here’s what the management saw:
The Aggressive Opening Option
KKR needed someone who could provide quick starts in the powerplay. While Shubman Gill is technically brilliant, his strike rate in the powerplay was sometimes lower than what the team needed. Iyer brought aggression that perfectly complemented KKR’s strategy.
The All-Rounder Advantage
Having an all-rounder at the top gives teams flexibility. If Iyer could contribute with the ball too, it meant KKR could play an extra batsman or bowler. This balance is worth its weight in gold in T20 cricket.
Fresh Energy and Fearlessness
Sometimes, a new player brings fearless energy that established players might lack. Iyer had nothing to lose and everything to prove, making him play with freedom that translated into explosive performances.
The Impact on Social Media
When Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL auction price reached Rs 23.75 crore, social media exploded. Fans, experts, and critics all had opinions. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were flooded with posts discussing:
Whether he deserved such a massive contract
How KKR’s 2021 decision proved to be genius
Comparisons with other players in similar price brackets
Memes celebrating or questioning the valuation
The Rs 23.75 crore star became a trending topic, with millions of posts, shares, and comments analyzing his journey from an unknown player to one of the most expensive cricketers in IPL history.
Understanding the Rs 23.75 Crore Value
Why would any team pay Rs 23.75 crore for a player? Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Scarcity of Left-Handed All-Rounders: There aren’t many quality left-handed batsmen who can also bowl. This rarity increases market value.
Proven IPL Performance: Iyer’s performances in 2021 and subsequent seasons showed consistency and match-winning ability.
Age Factor: Young players offer long-term value. Teams can build around them for years.
Indian Player Quota: As an Indian player, he doesn’t occupy a foreign player slot, making him more valuable in team composition.
Lessons from KKR’s Strategy
The reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders have now lost five of the eight games on the 2025 IPL…