Venkatesh Iyer, the all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has officially expressed his eagerness to take on the captaincy role if offered to him as the team gears up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. His readiness to lead follows the departure of Shreyas Iyer, who has taken the leadership role at Punjab Kings after leading KKR to the IPL title last season.
``I’m definitely ready,`` Iyer declared confidently to ESPNcricinfo, emphasizing his belief in leadership as more than just about titles. He commented, ``Captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader. There is no ambiguity surrounding this. I’ll definitely do it if it’s offered to me. There’s no reason not to do it.``
Iyer's philosophy revolves around the idea of setting examples for his teammates and being a role model, both on and off the field. ``You don’t necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples. You need to be a good role model, which I am doing right now,`` he explained, underscoring the pivotal qualities he believes are important for any leader.
The 30-year-old cricketer, who rejoined KKR for a hefty sum of ₹23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 auction, finds himself among the top contenders for captain alongside former Indian team captain Ajinkya Rahane. With KKR yet to announce their captain for the upcoming season, the speculation builds. Iyer's strong performance record, with 1,326 runs at an average of 31.57 and strike rate of 137.13 across 51 matches for KKR, supports his case for potential captaincy.
Kolkata Knight Riders are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, 2025, at the Eden Gardens. The management's delay in naming the captain has been linked to the domestic cricket season, allowing players like Iyer to focus on their performances without distraction.
Iyer expressed his contentment with KKR's decision to let players concentrate on their domestic commitments, saying, ``It’s good they’re giving players their space and letting them focus on domestic cricket. Whenever it’s time for the announcement, we’ll see about it.`` His acknowledgment of the busy schedule reflects awareness of the current cricketing climate.
Despite lacking formal captaincy experience, Iyer's enthusiasm for the role suggests he is more than prepared to take on the challenge should the opportunity arise. He pointed out how important it is for everyone on the team, regardless of their experience or salary, to feel valued and heard. ``You just need to have the freedom to voice your opinion and give suggestions. Their opinions are respected,`` he stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity within the team dynamic.
With the IPL 2025 season fast approaching, the anticipation among KKR fans is palpable, not just for how the team will perform, but also for who will take charge as captain. Iyer's readiness to step up may well play a significant role as KKR seeks to defend its title.
For Iyer, leading KKR would not just be about wearing the captain's armband; rather, it's about embracing the essence of leadership and encouraging his teammates to excel. KKR is known for its rich history and strong team culture, making the responsibility of captaincy all the more significant.
The upcoming days will reveal more about KKR's final decision on the captaincy, but Venkatesh Iyer’s readiness and leadership philosophy may put him at the forefront of those discussions. Whatever the outcome, he will continue to represent the team with his performance and commitment, laying the groundwork for potential success on the cricketing stage.