In the competitive realm of the Indian Premier League (IPL), high salaries often come with intense scrutiny and pressure to perform. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer has recently addressed this topic, clarifying that his hefty price tag of ₹23.75 crore does not bind him to deliver substantial runs in every match. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of making a meaningful contribution to the team, showcasing how modern cricket is evolving beyond mere individual statistics.
Every Match Doesn’t Necessitate Big Runs: Iyer’s Perspective
After playing a remarkable 60 off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Iyer stated, “There is some pressure, and as you know, the media often discusses these matters. However, being the most expensive player doesn’t mean I have to score in every match. It’s about how I contribute to turning the match in favor of my team and the impact I make.” He stressed that the real pressure lies not in financial concerns or personal scores but in achieving team victories.
The Reality of Pressure in Cricket
When questioned if the pressure had lifted, Iyer responded candidly, “You tell me! Pressure will only dissipate when… I’ve always maintained that once the IPL starts, it doesn’t matter if you earn ₹20 lakh or ₹20 crore. I am part of the team, and my focus is on contributing to its success. Sometimes tricky situations arise where my role may be to stabilize the team by playing a few overs. Even if I don’t score runs while doing that, I believe I have still contributed to the team.”
Calculated Aggression: KKR’s Game Strategy
This season, KKR has faced criticism for its middle-order batting following poor performances against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI). However, Iyer points out that KKR’s philosophy is based on “calculated aggression,” rejecting reckless play. He explained, “Aggression doesn’t mean hitting every ball for six runs. It’s about having the right intentions and understanding the pitch.” Iyer described the team’s approach, saying, “We don’t want to be the team that scores 250 runs one day and collapses for 70 the next. Our goal is to quickly read the pitch and stay 20 runs ahead of the required score. This is the essence of KKR’s aggressive strategy.”
As KKR gears up to face their next challenge against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), it will be intriguing to see if Venkatesh Iyer and his teammates can build upon this momentum and deliver solid performances that reflect their true potential.