IPL 2025: Not Just Venkatesh Iyer, KKR want to offload India star, This Key Staff ahead of Next Season

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The Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly set to release Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season following an underwhelming campaign in 2025.

Iyer, who was one of the most expensive signings at ₹23.75 crore, failed to live up to expectations, scoring only 142 runs in seven innings. His average of 20.29 and strike rate of 139.22 were well below the standard required from a top-order batter in the T20 format.

Despite being handed a leadership role as vice-captain under Ajinkya Rahane, Iyer struggled to make a consistent impact and was eventually dropped from the playing XI in a critical encounter against Chennai Super Kings. His omission in such a high-stakes match highlighted the management's dwindling faith in his match-winning abilities.

Iyer's lacklustre form saw him included in the list of biggest disappointments of the season, especially considering the massive investment KKR made to acquire his services. The franchise's campaign ended without a playoff berth, and as they look to rebuild, releasing Iyer could be part of a larger strategic overhaul.

Why KKR want to offload Venkatesh Iyer?

The decision would also allow KKR to free up significant funds ahead of the next auction, potentially enabling them to pursue a more consistent performer in the top order. While no official confirmation has been issued yet, the indications point strongly toward Iyer being either released outright or traded to another franchise during the upcoming transfer window.

KKR want Chandrakant Pandit Out as Well

Along with that, the Knight Riders are said to be looking to offload Chandrakant Pandit as well. Their head coach has so far not made much impact in the past three seasons, barring the one in 2024 when Gautam Gambhir joined them as mentor. Pandit's pedigree in domestic cricket has so far not worked in the franchise league, and the three-time Champions want to move on.

As per reports in Bengali media, KKR want to transfer the role to Abhishek Nayar, who rejoined the franchise after getting sacked by BCCI as India's assistant coach.