Venkatesh Iyer was purchased on the latest IPL participant public sale for Rs 23.75 crore, turning into the fourth-most costly participant ever. The 29-year-old KKR all-rounder on why carrying the India jersey issues to him and why it’s important that gamers research too. The session was moderated by Deputy Affiliate Editor Devendra Pandey.
Devendra Pandey: What was your first response once you noticed groups bidding for you?
Clearly, once you see the paddle getting raised for you, you by no means need the paddle to cease getting raised. However after some extent of time, I truly felt that each RCB and KKR had been pushing for me. I feel it goes to point out how a lot belief KKR has in me. I used to be stunned, however on the identical time, extraordinarily joyful. To be sincere, I wished to play for KKR. If it had been in my palms, I’d have liked to be retained. However that didn’t occur. I’m actually joyful that I’m again at KKR.
Devendra Pandey: Venky Mysore (CEO of KKR) stated after the public sale that you simply instructed him: “Boss, should you don’t choose me, I’ll be very unhappy”. What was that about?
I had a phrase with him earlier than the announcement of retentions. He was very clear in telling me that ‘we gained’t be capable of retain you due to the retention guidelines’ and never as a result of they didn’t need me in KKR. So I instructed him, ‘Sir, you probably have the choice, and should you can, please do every thing in your energy to get me again to KKR’. It form of labored, didn’t it? It goes to point out how a lot he trusts and believes in me. I’d actually prefer to thank him. Through the years, we’ve got constructed a beautiful relationship. I truly felt actually grateful.
Devendra Pandey: Now with one Iyer (Shreyas) not there, will this Iyer get an opportunity to turn out to be KKR captain? Do you aspire to turn out to be one subsequent season?
I’ve at all times maintained that I wish to be a pacesetter in any set-up that I stroll into, be it Madhya Pradesh, an IPL crew, and even the Indian crew. Being a pacesetter, you wish to contribute together with your concepts, together with your recommendations. You don’t actually need the captaincy tag for that. So I at all times wish to be a pacesetter within the dressing room. And if captaincy comes my manner, it will likely be an honour to steer such a reputed franchise. Let’s see what’s in retailer for me.
On Shah Rukh Khan | After the (2024 IPL) ultimate, my mom had come onto the bottom and Shah Rukh sir met her and praised me, saying, ‘he’s an excellent little one’. the happiness I noticed in my mom’s eyes, I actually can not neglect that second
Sandeep Dwivedi: Some would see the public sale quantity of Rs 23 crore as insane or obscene. There have been a number of circumstances of younger cricketers dropping their manner… Do you suppose there’s a want for course-correction?
It’s an awesome factor if individuals are getting cash. Why can we work so arduous? To earn nicely and to steer an excellent life. It is rather necessary to grasp that when the event begins, it virtually turns into immaterial. You is perhaps a Rs 20 lakh participant or a 20 crore participant… you continue to go on the market to contribute to the facet’s victory. That didn’t change after I performed in IPL 2021, after I was picked for my base value. And that may positively not change after I play IPL 2025. As for course-correction, individuals on the surface want to grasp what cricketers suppose… They don’t wish to be the speak of the city for the incorrect causes.
Sandeep Dwivedi: I get that the market decides the value of a participant, however do you suppose that huge cash from the IPL can diminish the drive in a younger participant to play for India?
I don’t suppose so. When the Indian crew gained the (T20) World Cup and got here again to India, you noticed the reception. Who wouldn’t wish to be part of that crew! Who wouldn’t wish to don that blue jersey or the Indian Check jersey. There are specific issues past cash and abilities. That’s what makes us love the sport a lot. And that’s referred to as emotion …that’s ardour. After we all began taking part in cricket, nobody had the idea of incomes from cricket. What I understood was representing India, being proven on the tv, thousands and thousands cheering for me and me making my nation win.
It has now turn out to be very regular for individuals to speak about value tags and cash coming into the sport and hindering gamers’ views. However I nonetheless really feel nothing can match the sensation of representing your nation. That’s the feeling that neither cash nor fame can ever replicate… not even a Rs 23 crore price ticket. It does sound huge however I can vouch there isn’t a higher feeling than taking part in for India.
There have been so many moments in my life however the factor I keep in mind essentially the most is that one cowl drive that I hit in an India vs South Africa sport. There are nice moments… I acquired married, it was great… however the second that I keep in mind is after I stood there and the nationwide anthem was taking part in.
Franchise vs nation | It has now turn out to be very regular for individuals to speak about value tags and cash coming into the sport and hindering gamers’ views. However I really feel nothing can match the sensation of representing your nation
Shashank Nair: You’ve skilled a gentle rise — from going for Rs 20 lakh in your first 12 months at KKR to now. Are you able to speak concerning the magnifying impact of the value tag and the strain it brings?
It’s a huge leap from the place I used to be yesterday, to the place I will likely be sooner or later, by way of financial institution stability. I’d be mendacity if I stated that there gained’t be any strain of the value tag. We’re all dwelling in a world the place social media could be very lively, the place we all know individuals are speaking about you, the place there are such a lot of analysts speaking about you. I’m not somebody who will completely ignore it. However as soon as the IPL begins, it doesn’t matter should you had been picked for Rs 20 lakh or Rs 20 crore. You might be a part of a crew, there’ll be a sure function given to you. It’s your obligation to try to fulfil that function.
Nihal Koshie: You’ve got accomplished your MBA and are learning additional. What are the challenges of being an lively cricketer and pursuing lecturers on the identical time? Any classes from MBA that show you how to on the cricket discipline?
I come from an orthodox household, so it’s robust to persuade middle-class mother and father that I’ll pursue solely cricket. However it was the opposite manner round. I used to be huge on lecturers. My mother and father wished me to do nicely within the sport as nicely. If a brand new man walks into the MP (Madhya Pradesh) crew, the very first thing I ask him is ‘padhai kar rahe ho ki nahi?’ (are you learning or not?). Schooling will stick with you until you die, a cricketer can not play until 60. You need to perceive that there’s a shelf life. After that, if you wish to actually excel in life, you need to be educated. Teachers can provide me the proper switch-off from the sport. I don’t wish to be pondering of the sport on a regular basis, it provides strain. If I can do two issues on the identical time, I’ll. Being an informed particular person, it helps me make higher selections on the sector as nicely. There will likely be a state of affairs when it gained’t be simply concerning the ability however whether or not you may make a greater choice. I would like cricketers to coach themselves not simply with cricketing data, however normal data as nicely. If you happen to can full your commencement or post-graduation, you positively ought to. I’m pursuing my PhD (finance) now. You’ll be interviewing me as Dr Venkatesh Iyer subsequent time!
Nihal Koshie: What funding recommendation would you give a cricketer who has instantly acquired crores in an IPL public sale? And what do you splurge on?
I feel everybody ought to spend money on individuals. It’s best to spend money on an excellent coach, an excellent nutritionist, an excellent monetary guide and a portfolio supervisor. I get up to play cricket, I can not offer you inventory market concepts. Let professionals do it. I’ve invested in a nutritionist named Suraj Thakuria. He’s additionally the nutritionist for Avesh Khan, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed. I can see modifications in my physique. I’ve invested in an excellent coach. I used to splurge. Now I’m married, so I have to handle my bills.
On Funding plans | It’s best to spend money on an excellent Coach, an excellent nutritionist, an excellent monetary guide and a portfolio supervisor. I get up to play cricket, I can not offer you inventory market concepts. Let professionals do it.
Devendra Pandey: What’s your private expertise with Shah Rukh Khan? Any second that you simply’ll keep in mind for lengthy?
Once I take into consideration Shah Rukh sir, it brings a smile to my face… such is the persona. It’s such an awesome high quality to have when you find yourself a celebrity, however nonetheless capable of make individuals round you are feeling so comfy whereas giving an elder-brotherly vibe. All of us had a sure picture of Shah Rukh sir in our minds, like he’s the Shah Rukh Khan, the megastar. It’s going to be so robust to be in his presence. However he makes the atmosphere so chill and so pleasant that you find yourself sharing loads of issues with him. He spent a good bit of time speaking to us on this IPL. I keep in mind this sport after which he spoke with me for round 45 minutes, there’s no want for an proprietor to spend time, however he did. That dialog will stick with me for the remainder of my life.
However should you ask for a selected second, I keep in mind after the ultimate, my mom had come onto the bottom and Shah Rukh sir met her and praised me, saying, ‘He’s an excellent little one’. The happiness that I noticed in my mom’s eyes, I actually can not neglect that second. It was so lovely and it was wonderful to be in
his presence.
Devendra Pandey: Did you ever showcase amongst your pals that Shah Rukh Khan?
I can showcase in entrance of the world that I do know Shah Rukh sir. That is truly a matter of flex. Once I was there with him, that second is meant to be bigger than life, the second is meant to be grand. However then, the second was so easy and so aesthetic that there was no feeling that that is the Shah Rukh Khan that everybody loves and admires. There’s a lot love and positivity he provides you that you find yourself loving that human.
Devendra Pandey: You at all times appear so shut but to this point in the case of an India call-up. Did you converse to the selectors?
Generally I do really feel that my identify ought to have been there in that record. However once more, that’s by no means in my management. And I’d be the primary particular person to simply accept that there’s scope for enchancment. I positively do want to enhance my bowling. What Hardik Pandya brings to the desk, or for that matter Nitish Reddy. I actually admire Nitish Reddy. He’s one in all my favorite cricketers now. If I’ve to be in that spot, I positively want to enhance my bowling. As soon as I do know that my bowling is on level and I’m batting nicely, I will likely be within the Indian crew.
On the Influence Participant Rule | I really feel it provides you the chance to be extra strategic and tactical in your strategy. It provides the captain an additional possibility. Equally, by way of batting, if there’s a collapse, you continue to can put in a participant and attempt to get a aggressive rating
Sandeep Dwivedi: You don’t look too tense when you find yourself on the crease. There’s a casualness, in a constructive manner, about your batting, you don’t appear overawed.
I’ll take it as a praise. It’s not that I’m not nervous or anxious. However once more, I feel it’s about what you might be specializing in. If you happen to’re capable of slender it down to only the ball, you’ll be advantageous. However should you create a zone the place there may be the gang, the sector set-up, your complete occasion, you might be placing strain on your self. I’m able to slender it down to only the pitch… the ball. That makes it simple.
Tushar Bhaduri: IPL has undergone some very technical modifications in latest instances. The Influence Participant rule is one in all them. Do you suppose this new rule modifications your function or your sport in any manner?
It does to an extent. I’ll be the final particular person to boost a finger on the rule as a result of it gave me the chance to play in IPL 2023. I had suffered a damaged ankle and it was the Influence Participant rule that allowed me to only bat and be off the sector. So I can by no means be towards that rule. Lots of people speak about all-rounders not getting a go together with the Influence Participant rule. Sure, it is not going to enable you if you’re a one-over or a two-over bowler. However the Influence Participant rule by no means stopped Hardik Pandya from bowling 4 overs or Andre Russell or Sunil Narine from bowling their full quota. So, if you’re a correct all-rounder, you probably have the ability set to bowl the 4 overs, the Influence Participant rule doesn’t
matter in any respect.
I truly really feel it provides you the chance to be extra strategic and tactical in your strategy. It provides the captain an additional choice to strive. Equally, by way of batting, if in any respect there’s a collapse, you continue to can put in a participant and try to get to a aggressive rating which your 5 bowlers must defend. So, I actually really feel it is a chance for coaches and captains to be extra tactical. Sure, to an extent, it’s halting the expansion of all-rounders however, I actually really feel on the flip facet, it provides you the chance to brush up your all-round abilities. You need to develop your self right into a four-over bowler. Then you’ll find yourself getting two or three overs.
Sandeep Dwivedi: Final IPL season was very important. KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) redefined T20 batting. That fast-scoring methodology was additionally seen in India’s strategy in the course of the T20 World Cup.
Sure, clearly there’s a transition within the sport, there’s a change in the best way the sport is performed. SRH confirmed a manner the place they might maximise the powerplay and nonetheless hold going. However this additionally provides a chance for gamers to brush up their abilities. This by no means stopped Jasprit Bumrah from bowling 4 overs for 20 runs and taking two wickets. That by no means stopped Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy from bowling at six and 7 runs per over. So for each bowlers in addition to batsmen, you’ve got to maintain getting higher. It’s not about everybody going there and hitting. I keep in mind a sport towards Mumbai Indians, the place we misplaced early wickets. I acquired a 50-ball 70 and performed the function of the anchor. Every now and then, you’ll at all times get these video games the place your fundamentals will likely be examined. It’s when your psychological power is examined greater than your ability. In a cricket match, each crew needs their gamers to contribute in numerous aspects of the sport. No crew would need their gamers to go and hit each ball out of the park. That’s not cricket. However once more, in each sport, there will likely be completely different roles that will likely be requested of gamers. And as cricketers, you should adapt and settle for that function.
Tushar Bhaduri: While you take the sector in IPL 2025, would you be utilizing the event as a stepping stone to get again into the Indian crew? Is that in your pondering?
Virtually, sure. However I gained’t be serious about it. You don’t wish to carry pointless baggage. That’s the error I made again in 2022. Sitting within the IPL, I used to be serious about the (T20) World Cup that 12 months. What that does is it takes away out of your current. Already there may be a lot strain on cricketers. If you happen to add yet another strain to it, it is not going to enable your efficiency to return out. So, the truth that the IPL is a stepping stone to get again into the Indian crew is completely true. And I respect that reality. However I gained’t be serious about it, for positive.