Kolkata Knight Riders’ vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer has hit back at critics questioning his hefty price tag, stating that once the season begins, the money becomes irrelevant. His response came after a match-winning knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The batting all-rounder was acquired for a staggering INR 23.75 crore in the auction and was given a leadership role within the team. However, he struggled for form in his first two outings, with KKR losing two of their first three games. His inability to anchor the innings during KKR’s heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium sparked debate over whether he was feeling the pressure of his price tag.
Remaining composed under scrutiny, Iyer silenced his detractors in emphatic fashion, smashing a game-changing 60 off just 29 balls to steer KKR to victory against a formidable SRH side at Eden Gardens on Friday.
Money doesn’t define role: Venkatesh
“You tell me if the pressure was released or not (smiles). I have repeatedly said this, once the IPL starts, it doesn’t matter if your price is 20 lakhs or 20 crores. We have a young guy in Angkrish Raghuvanshi who is playing as well. The money doesn’t define what your role is in the side. I know this question comes a lot because of my price tag and high expectations. I am a player in this team who wants to contribute towards the success of the side. There is pressure, I won’t lie. But the pressure that is there is about how I help my team win. The pressure isn’t about the price tag and how many runs I’m making. That has never been the pressure on me,” Venkatesh said in the post-match press-conference.
In just four games, Venkatesh has already proven his commitment to the team’s best interests. Against SRH, the southpaw stepped in to bat at number five.