Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer gave Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans a major scare during his Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash against Kerala on Thursday, January 23, at St Xavier's College Ground, Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. Iyer, who walked in to bat with his team in a precarious position at 49/4 in 17.2 overs, was expected to anchor the innings and guide the team to a competitive total. Given the difficult situation, Iyer had a huge responsibility on his shoulders to stabilize the innings and prevent his team from collapsing further.
However, his stay at the crease was unexpectedly brief. Iyer faced just three deliveries before disaster struck. While attempting to pull a delivery, he twisted his ankle, which caused him to collapse to the ground in severe discomfort. The injury was serious enough that he immediately fell to the pitch, signaling the extent of the pain he was experiencing. Iyer was promptly attended to by the team’s physio, but the injury forced him to retire hurt and leave the field, a disappointing end to what was supposed to be a pivotal innings for his team.
After leaving the field, Iyer was later seen sitting in the dugout, wearing only one pad and keeping his injured leg elevated on a chair, suggesting the injury was serious and that he needed to rest it. His visible discomfort and the nature of the injury led to increased concern among fans, especially KKR supporters, who feared the injury could affect his availability for the upcoming IPL season.
KKR had invested heavily in Iyer, buying him for a staggering Rs 23.75 crore during the mega auction for IPL 2025. This massive price tag came after the franchise had initially released Iyer ahead of the auction, failing to retain him in their top six picks. However, recognizing his value, KKR aggressively pursued him during the auction, engaging in a heated bidding war with other franchises like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to secure his services. This bid for Iyer demonstrated how crucial KKR considered him to be for their squad and the upcoming season.
Iyer had a successful 2024 season, where he made significant contributions to his team’s performances. He scored 370 runs in 15 matches (13 innings), at an impressive average of 46.25 and a blistering strike rate of 158.79, including four half-centuries. His all-around contributions, which also included key performances with the ball, made him one of the standout players for his team in domestic cricket. His form in 2024 had made him one of the most anticipated players for IPL 2025, and KKR fans were eagerly looking forward to seeing him deliver for the franchise.
The potential absence of Iyer in the upcoming IPL season has raised concerns for KKR. As one of their most expensive acquisitions, his injury would significantly impact their balance and batting depth. KKR, who have been through a rebuilding phase in recent seasons, rely on their all-rounders to provide stability and flexibility. Iyer's ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a crucial asset to KKR's strategies for 2025. With the injury, KKR’s squad depth is being tested, and the fans' worries have only intensified.
However, amid the growing concerns, there was a sliver of optimism for KKR fans. Iyer was later seen wearing both of his pads while sitting on the sidelines, which gave hope that his injury might not be as severe as initially feared. The fact that he was still in his gear suggested that there might be a possibility of him returning to the field soon, easing the worries of his supporters. Iyer’s recovery will now be the focus, and if he can recover in time, his presence could be vital for KKR in the IPL 2025 season.
The franchise will now be anxiously awaiting updates on Iyer's injury and hoping that he will be fit and ready to feature in the tournament. In the coming weeks, KKR will be closely monitoring his progress, with medical staff likely working around the clock to ensure his swift recovery. The team's success in the IPL season may very well depend on whether their star all-rounder can make a full recovery and deliver performances similar to his form in 2024.
For now, KKR and their fans will continue to hold their breath, hoping that Iyer can overcome this setback and prove himself as one of the most impactful players for his franchise in the upcoming IPL season.
