Venkatesh Rajasekaran Iyer (born December 25, 1994, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India) is an Indian cricketer known for his dynamic left-handed batting and right-arm medium-pace bowling. He represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life and Education
Iyer began his cricketing journey at the age of 10, initially playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman until the Under-19 level. He later transitioned into a batting all-rounder, developing his bowling skills when given the opportunity during a match. Balancing academics with sports, Iyer completed his schooling at St. Paul Higher Secondary School in Indore and pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAV), Indore. After passing the Chartered Accountancy Intermediate examinations, he chose to discontinue and enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance to focus more on his cricketing career.
Domestic Career
Iyer made his Twenty20 debut for Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on March 25, 2015, against Railways at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Later that year, he debuted in List A cricket on December 11, 2015, facing Saurashtra. His first-class debut came during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season on December 6, 2018, playing against Hyderabad. Iyer’s consistent performances, including a standout List A score of 198, have made him a vital player for his state team.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Iyer’s breakthrough in the IPL came when he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2021 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring crucial runs and providing balance to the team with his all-round abilities. His performances were instrumental in KKR’s journey to the finals that season. In the 2023 IPL season, Iyer etched his name in the record books by scoring a magnificent 104, showcasing his prowess as a top-order batsman.
International Career
Iyer’s domestic and IPL success led to his inclusion in the national squad. He made his T20 International debut for India against New Zealand on November 17, 2021, and his One Day International debut against South Africa on January 19, 2022. In his brief international stint, Iyer has demonstrated potential as a reliable all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Iyer’s tall stature aids his right-arm medium-pace bowling, allowing him to extract bounce and trouble batsmen. As a left-handed batsman, he brings versatility to the batting lineup, capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating the run rate as required. His dual skills make him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
Domestic Cricket Achievements:
- First-Class Debut: Iyer made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season on December 6, 2018, against Hyderabad.
- List A Performance: In a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, Iyer showcased his batting prowess by scoring a remarkable 198 runs, underscoring his potential as a top-order batsman.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Milestones:
- Breakthrough Season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Iyer’s impactful performances in the 2021 IPL season were instrumental in KKR’s journey to the finals. His aggressive batting at the top order provided the team with much-needed momentum.
- Century in IPL 2023: In the 2023 season, Iyer recorded a magnificent 104-run innings, marking his first IPL century and solidifying his reputation as a formidable batsman.
- Leadership Prospects: As of February 2025, Iyer has expressed readiness to take on leadership roles, stating his preparedness to lead KKR if given the opportunity.
International Career Highlights:
- T20 International (T20I) Debut: against New Zealand on November 17, 2021.
- One Day International (ODI) Debut: against South Africa on January 19, 2022.
- International Performance: In his brief international career, Iyer has participated in 9 T20I and 2 ODI matches, contributing as a versatile all-rounder.
Statistical Overview:
- First-Class Cricket: Iyer has played 11 matches, scoring 545 runs with an average of 36.33, including a highest score of 93.
- List A Cricket: In 24 matches, he has amassed 849 runs at an average of 47.16, with a top score of 198.
- T20 Cricket: Across 49 matches, Iyer has accumulated 1,238 runs, averaging 33.45, with a highest score of 104.
Recent Developments
As of August 2024, Iyer continues to be a key player for both Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata Knight Riders. His performances in domestic circuits and the IPL keep him in contention for national selection, with many viewing him as a promising prospect for India’s future squads.
Venkatesh Iyer’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Indore to making his mark on international platforms exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and passion for the sport.
