3 teams who should target Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026 Auction ft. CSK

Venkatesh Iyer was acquired for a whopping amount of ₹ 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during IPL 2025 Auction. However, he failed to live up to the expectations of the franchise and had an ordinary outing in IPL 2025.

In seven innings with the bat, he scored just 142 runs at an average of 20.29. He played only 11 out of 14 matches for KKR in IPL 2025. He did not bowl either during the season and has now been released by KKR ahead of IPL 2026 Auction.

On that note, here is a look at three teams who should target Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026 auction:

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#1 Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK have the second biggest purse (₹ 43.4 crore) for the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise could look to bid for Venkatesh Iyer in the upcoming auction.

The CSK batting unit is likely to revolve around Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis in IPL 2026. An attacking experienced Indian batter who could bat in the top four is the need of the hour of CSK and Iyer pefectly fits the bill.

With Gaikwad and Samson likely to open the innings, Iyer could be the perfect number three or four for the CSK franchise. CSK, over the last two IPL seasons have missed Indian batters in their top order. Sanju Samson and if acquired, Venkatesh Iyer are likely to solve their top order woes.

The likes of Brevis, Dube and MS Dhoni can be the finishers, making the batting a formidable one.

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#2 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Venkatesh Iyer played a vital role in KKR's success in IPL 2024- Source: Getty

Venkatsh Iyer has played all his IPL cricket for KKR. He was a part of the team that won the coveted trophy in 2024.

Though released, Iyer could be on the radar of KKR during the IPL 2026 auction. KKR have the biggest purse of ₹ 64.3 crore going into the auction and could look to acquire Iyer once again.

Iyer was picked by KKR during IPL auction for 23.75 core and the franchise by releasing could be hopeful for acquiring him for a lower amount. Apart from CSK and KKR, no franchise has a purse of more than ₹ 26 crore going into the auction.

The fact that Iyer has not been retained could a strategic move by KKR to acquire him again in the IPL 2026 auction for a lower amount.

Apart from the aforesaid, out of the retained players, KKR currently have only Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine who are top order orders. Having played and tasted success with KKR, Iyer could be hopeful of playing another season with them.

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#3 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Phil Salt and Virat Kohli will in all likelihood open the batting for RCB in IPL 2026. The defending champions will look for an Indian batter who could add some stability and experience at number three.

Venkatesh Iyer could be the perfect fit at number three. Though RCB have retained Devdutt Padikkal, he has been a bit inconsistent and the management could look to try another player at the said batting position.

A top three comprising Salt, Kohli and Iyer followed by the likes of Rajat Patidar and Tim David makes for an exciting batting line-up and Iyer's presence could give it a robust look.

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