Venkatesh Iyer left heartbroken and close to tears after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders

Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer revealed to Revsportz how he was left heartbroken after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders. The current Indian Premier League (IPL) winners had released a host of stars including Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc. 29-year-old Venkatesh Iyer played a key role in KKR’s title win before he learnt his fate on Thursday. 

During his chat with Revsportz, Iyer said “In the case of KKR, it's a complete family. It's not just the 16, 20 or 25 players, but also the management, the staff, the guys behind the scenes. There is so much emotion behind that that it kind of makes me a little teary-eyed that my name is not on the retention list”

Venkatesh Iyer has played 50 matches in the IPL and all of them have come for KKR. His IPL debut came in 2021 under Eoin Morgan where KKR reached the finals. This got the youngster a chance to play for India later that year. Till now Venkatesh Iyer has played 50 matches and scored 1326 runs with one ton and 11 fifties and also picked 3 wickets. 

Venkatesh Iyer reveals pain of being released by KKR

Further speaking to Revsportz, the all-rounder said “Because there is no video of KKR bidding for me in my first auction, during this auction I would sit like an excited kid to see if KKR put up the paddle for me and if they do, it will mean the world to me,"

The 29-year-old added “The honest thing, as someone who analyses cricket as well, is that KKR has had a very good retention. They have covered 14-16 overs with the ball, and with the bat, they have covered five positions," 

“Whichever dressing room I walk into, be it Madhya Pradesh, KKR or any other team that decides to invest in me, I know I will be a leader in that set-up. Not necessarily the captain, but surely a leader whose words will be taken seriously” said Venkatesh Iyer. 

The Madhya Pradesh based cricketer hopes that he gets one more chance to make it back to KKR. "I would've loved to be on the retention list, KKR has given me the big breakthrough and I've given everything for them. The doors are open, and if I have a good auction, I may still end up playing for the team I love the most,"