'I'll Do If It Comes My Way': Venkatesh Iyer Responds To KKR's Captaincy Buzz, Claims He Is Ready To Step Up

IPL 2025: Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has said that he is ready to become the Kolkata Knight Riders ' new skipper if the opportunity is presented to him. The left-handed cricketer was re-introduced in the KKR for INE 23.75 Crore after being let go from the squad. But he remains a front-runner in the race to become Shreyas Iyer's success. He also pointed out that a skipper needs to emerge as a proper role model and needs to set an example.

Venkatesh Speaks Out On KKR's Captaincy Suspense

The suspense around the new skipper for the Kolkata Knight Riders continues as the defending champions are yet to announce their captain. After Shreyas Iyer was let go during the IPL retentions, speculation arose on who would become Iyer's successor on the side. Amid the suspense, Venkatesh Iyer has opened up about the subject and claims that he is ready for the task.

“Definitely, I'm ready. Again, I've always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader. There's no ambiguity surrounding this. I'll definitely do it if it comes my way. There is no reason not to do it.

"You don't necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples. You need to be a good role model, both on and off the field, which I am doing right now in Madhya Pradesh. I'm not the captain of the MP team, but my opinions are respected and I really love to be in an atmosphere where every individual — new or experienced, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 20 crore, whatever — you just need to have the freedom to voice your opinion. You just need to have the freedom to give opinions and give suggestions and them to be taken in the right spirit,” Venkatesh Iyer said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Will Iyer Get Some Competition For KKR Captaincy? 

Kolkata Knight Riders entered into a bidding war in order to get Venkatesh Iyer back in the mix. The loyalty factor brought back Iyer in the Purple and Gold, who has scored 1326 runs in 51 IPL matches while representing KKR. It may look like bringing back Venkatesh was a part of their future plans as they could be eager to make him the skipper.

However, as per reports, Iyer is expected to get some competition in the race as Ajinkya Rahane, who was picked up in the IPL Mega Auction, emerges as a competitor.

All the suspense will end once the Knight Riders announce their skipper. But when will it happen? It is subject to witness.

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