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KKR Release Venkatesh Iyer Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction as Player Signals Wish to Return

The move reflects a broader KKR clear-out before the December 16 auction.

Overview

  • Kolkata Knight Riders cut Venkatesh Iyer after a big-money INR 23.75 crore purchase in 2025.
  • Iyer managed 142 runs in 11 matches last season, falling short of expectations tied to his fee.
  • He told CricTracker his preference is to play for KKR, though he remains open to any franchise and stresses leadership along with batting and bowling.
  • KKR also released Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
  • No new agreement has been announced, with Iyer set to re-enter the player pool for the December 16 auction.