Overview

• Venkatesh Iyer has struggled in IPL 2025, scoring just 135 runs in six innings at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 139.17.
• Anil Kumble has recommended promoting Iyer to open the batting alongside Sunil Narine to utilize his powerplay strengths against pace bowling.
• Kumble also suggested changes to KKR’s lineup, including playing an Indian wicketkeeper like Luvnith Sisodia and replacing Chetan Sakariya with Anrich Nortje.
• KKR, the defending champions, are currently seventh in the IPL points table with three wins from nine matches, making their April 29 match against Delhi Capitals critical for playoff hopes.
• Iyer’s performance this season contrasts sharply with his 2021 breakthrough, where he scored 370 runs at an average of 41.11 with four half-centuries.