Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is not a tradable asset ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Srikkanth expressed his unhappiness with Iyer's performances over the past two IPL seasons, stating that the other teams will look to buy him at a much lower price at the auction instead of trading for his current value.KKR acquired the 30-year-old at a whopping ₹23.75 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the left-hander failed to live up to expectations, averaging only 20.28 in 11 matches in the 2025 season.Talking about Venkatesh Iyer's trade prospects ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel (19:20):"He's not a tradeable asset. He'll be released. No team will trade for him and look to buy him. Instead in the auction, he can be bought easily for Rs. 3 crores. Last two years he hasn't been great. He only scored in the semi-final and final. Throughout the tournament, he didn't score much in the IPL over the last two seasons. When he came into KKR, he was an explosive opening batter. His best position is opening."The former opening batter also urged the Mumbai Indians (MI) to release right-arm pacer Deepak Chahar ahead of the auction."MI should definitely release Deepak Chahar. He struggles to run or field. Half the time, he walks off the field unfit as well. Why will I keep him in the squad? MI is a set team as is," said Srikkanth.MI acquired Chahar for ₹9.25 crores in the auction last year to strengthen their Indian core. However, the 33-year-old endured a sub-par 2025 IPL season, picking up only 11 wickets in 14 games at an average of over 34 and an economy of 9.17."Why would you release Heinrich Klaasen?" - Kris SrikkanthKris Srikkanth was surprised by the news that SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) may release former South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. The 34-year-old was one of the big buys of the IPL 2025 auction at ₹23 crores. Despite finishing with an impressive average of over 44 and a strike rate of 172.69, Klaasen failed to produce too many match-winning performances."Why would you release Heinrich Klaasen? The year before, he only scored big for them. Last season, they messed with his batting position too much. He batted at 5 at times and played as a finisher after 16 overs few times. Instead, they should let him bat at 3 from the 3rd over itself. And you don't even have to give him any instructions plus he's still keeping superbly too," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).He concluded:"If you release him, then it'll be difficult to get him back. Although we have to see which team has the space to buy him."Klaasen finished the 2025 season on a high with a breathtaking 105* off 39 deliveries against KKR. However, he produced only one other 50+ score in 13 games for SRH.