If I say there is no pressure, I will be lying: Venkatesh Iyer

Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for Rs 23.75 crores in the mega auction, says playing for KKR feels like representing the entire Bengal region

KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for Rs 23.75 crores in the mega IPL auction, says playing for KKR feels like representing the entire Bengal region.

“It is an incredible feeling. Being in a leadership role is a big responsibility, and I will give it my 100 per cent,” Iyer said in a pre-season briefing on Thursday.

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“Take Rinku Singh as an example. He is a hero now, and the entire cricketing world knows him. That is the magic of the Kolkata crowd. When you come to Kolkata, you fall in love with cricket. It’s a huge deal to play for this franchise,” the star batter said on how KKR makes young players into heroes.

“I was a huge fan of Sourav Ganguly, and when he played for KKR, he believed players could choose their IPL teams. Luckily, KKR was the first team to give me that platform by picking me,” said Venkatesh. “Representing this team is very special. Playing at the iconic Eden Gardens was always a dream,” he added.

Iyer said it was a surreal experience to play at the iconic Eden Gardens. “The first time I visited the stadium was for a Ranji Trophy match, even though I was not playing. But just sitting outside, I felt like I had achieved something—just by making it to Eden Gardens,” he said.

“To step onto the field at Eden and see thousands of fans cheering for you and your team—there’s no greater feeling for a cricketer. It feels like 70-80,000 people are behind you, supporting you with every action you take. That energy brings out the best in you.”

On Shah Rukh Khan, Iyer said more than a franchise owner he gives off an elder brother vibe. “He makes you feel like he is always there for you. A franchise owner does not have to be so friendly and humble, especially someone like him, a global superstar. But he is so down to earth.

“If I say there is no pressure, I would be lying. Of course, there is pressure. And there has to be pressure. But once the match starts, none of it matters. Whether I am a Rs 20 lakh player or a Rs 20 crore player, my job remains the same,” Iyer said.

“If I know I have the skill to do something and I do not push myself, that would be a big regret when I finish my career,” he said. “Right now, I know I can contribute to India’s victories in Tests, T20s, and ODIs,” he added.

“I really want to play Test cricket for India. I really want to do that. And I am saying this because it is not unrealistic. It is something that is achievable. And it is not very far,” Iyer signed off.