Eoin Morgan Reacts to Kolkata Knight Riders’ Record-Breaking Purchase of Venkatesh Iyer

In the wake of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan has voiced his surprise and admiration over the franchise’s acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering Rs23.75 crore. This significant purchase makes Iyer the fourth most expensive player in IPL history, highlighting the intense competition among franchises to secure top talent for the upcoming season.

Venkatesh Iyer was acquired by KKR following a fierce bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), underscoring his immense value and the high stakes of the auction. Morgan, who previously captained KKR, shared his thoughts on the matter in an exclusive interview with JioCinema. “To go for Rs23.75 crore is massive in my opinion,” Morgan stated, reflecting on the strategic decision by KKR to invest heavily in the all-rounder.

Iyer’s impressive performances during KKR’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2024 played a pivotal role in his elevated price tag. The all-rounder amassed 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and maintained a strike rate of 158.80, establishing himself as a key player for the franchise. His standout performances included an unbeaten 51 in the play-off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which was instrumental in KKR’s successful chase, and a match-winning unbeaten 52 in the final against the same opponents, securing KKR’s third IPL title.

Morgan reminisced about his time playing alongside Iyer, highlighting the latter’s breakthrough IPL season. “When I played alongside him, it was his breakthrough IPL year. He scored all around the ground and was very destructive when he got going. I remember him attempting that brilliant century against Mumbai, I think it was last year, where he dismantled their attack. That’s the kind of potential KKR sees in him,” Morgan added.

Despite recognizing Iyer’s talent, Morgan expressed reservations about the hefty price tag, suggesting that the bidding war was driven by desperation from both KKR and RCB. “I’d say they’ve paid way over, but it came down to two teams desperate for him—KKR and RCB,” he commented. Morgan believes that while the investment is substantial, Iyer’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances justifies the expenditure.

Venkatesh Iyer’s addition to KKR is expected to bolster the team’s depth and versatility, both as a dependable batsman and a capable bowler. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset for KKR as they aim to replicate and surpass their previous successes in the IPL.