Ahead of the start of the IPL 2025 season, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer admitted that he feels the pressure of his hefty price tag of Rs 23.75 crore after being bought by the franchise in last year's mega auction.

The 30-year-old Iyer, who reunited with KKR during the IPL 2025 mega auction last November with a hefty price tag of Rs 23.75 crore, recounted MS Dhoni's moment of "real captaincy" that left him gobsmacked during a CSK-KKR tie in Chennai.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore explained choosing Ajinkya Rahane as captain over Venkatesh Iyer, citing Rahane's experience and maturity. Rahane's successful leadership in IPL and international cricket, along with his long history in the league.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will start their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

After getting picked by KKR in the mega auction for Rs 23.75 crore, India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was the front-runner for the captaincy of three-time IPL winners. However, KKR appointed Rahane as their skipper,

Ajinkya Rahane was named the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 season, with the franchise choosing experience over youth in their leadership decision. KKR CEO Venky Mysore revealed that while Venkatesh Iyer was considered for the role,

The defending Champions are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of IPL 2025 on March 22.