Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his weight behind Venkatesh Iyer, reaffirming faith in the struggling all-rounder despite his dip in form this season. With KKR now in a must-win situation for each of their remaining four matches in IPL 2025, the pressure is mounting, but Rahane insists that Iyer is just one good knock away from turning things around.
Speaking at the Star Sports Press Room, Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged Iyer’s recent struggles, but emphasised that the franchise remains committed to backing the southpaw. “Every player goes through phases where results don’t come despite giving their best. Venkatesh is a quality cricketer. He has won games for us before and can do it again,” Rahane said.
Iyer, the most expensive player in KKR’s history at ₹23.75 crore, has only shown flashes of form this season, with a couple of promising innings of 60 and 45.
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However, his last four matches have yielded just 28 runs, leading to growing scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane, however, is focused on process over panic. “It’s easy to judge players based on outcomes. But the hard work he’s putting in behind the scenes deserves recognition. We believe he’s close to delivering.”
Ajinkya Rahane also admitted that KKR’s opening combinations haven’t clicked consistently. “Sunil Narine has done well previously, and we started this season with Quinton de Kock, who gave us a good start. But unfortunately, we haven’t been able to build on those moments.”
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He was quick to note that inconsistency is an occupational hazard in T20 cricket. “This is a high-risk format. When you encourage players to play with freedom, mistakes are part of the deal. What matters is how we bounce back.”
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, KKR will look to regroup and bring their A-game when they take on Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday, May 4. And if Iyer can rediscover his mojo, he might just be the X-factor Kolkata desperately needs.
