Venkatesh

Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer Biography and Career

Venkatesh Rajasekaran Iyer, born on 25 December 1994, is a dynamic Indian batting all-rounder who plays for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A left-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer, Iyer is known for his aggressive style and adaptability. While pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree, he made his T20 and List A debuts in 2015. After clearing the CA Intermediate exams, he chose to leave the chartered accountancy path and pursue an MBA in finance to focus on cricket, eventually making his first-class debut in 2018.

Iyer rose to prominence during the 2021–22 domestic season. He was Madhya Pradesh’s top scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and delivered standout performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 379 runs at an average of 63.16 and taking nine wickets. His knock of 151 set a record for the highest score by a batter at number six or lower in the tournament’s history. These performances led to his IPL debut with KKR in September 2021, where he quickly made an impact, scoring a maiden fifty against Mumbai Indians and later notching a century in 2023, becoming only the second KKR batter to do so after Brendon McCullum.

His IPL success earned him a place in India’s squad as a net bowler for the 2021 T20 World Cup, followed by T20I and ODI debuts later that year. Iyer made his international debut against New Zealand and later featured in the ODI series against South Africa. Ahead of IPL 2025, KKR reaffirmed their belief in Iyer by re-signing him for ₹23.75 crore, one of the highest bids in league history, and named him vice-captain, marking him as a central figure in the franchise’s future plans.

Beyond Cricket

Hailing from a middle-class family in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Venkatesh Iyer was raised in an environment that equally valued academics and sports. His father, Rajasekaran Iyer, is an HR professional, while his mother, Usha Iyer, works as a head nurse at Apollo Hospital. With encouragement from his parents, Venkatesh excelled both in the classroom and on the cricket field. A bright student, he attended St. Paul Higher Secondary School and later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya. He went on to complete an MBA in Finance, crediting his analytical thinking from academics as an asset in his cricketing mindset.

Beyond his academic and sporting achievements, Iyer represented his school and college in numerous competitions, which helped shape his cricketing journey. Though he had the credentials for a career in finance, his passion for cricket ultimately led him to pursue it professionally. On 2 June 2024, he married Shruti Raghunathan, adding a personal milestone to his life off the field. 

Awards and Achievements

• Breakout Star of IPL 2021: Delivered standout performances as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders during the UAE leg of IPL 2021, playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the final.

• India Debut: Earned his first cap for the national side in a T20I against New Zealand in November 2021, marking the beginning of his international journey.

• Key Contributor in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Played an integral role for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic T20 competition, showcasing his all-round ability.

• Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 Heroics: Caught national attention with stellar performances in India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament, making a strong case for higher honours.

• Emerging Talent in IPL: Lauded as one of the most exciting young all-rounders in the league, earning praise from fans and cricketing experts alike.

• Clutch Performances Under Pressure: Built a reputation for delivering in high-stakes moments, particularly for KKR in crucial match situations.