I think Venkatesh Iyer will fetch 12-14 crores in the mega auction next year: Sanjay Manjrekar

It is would not be wrong to say that Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) success in the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has coincided with young opener Venkatesh Iyer’s rise as a batter. After languishing at the bottom of the points table in the India leg of the IPL, KKR have made a turnaround by winning three games in the five games in the UAE leg. Iyer has contributed heavily at the top of the order scoring 41, 53, 18, 14, and 67.

The southpaw’s fiery starts upfront has given KKR middle-order batters a license to explode the fag end of the innings. Iyer’s hitting from one end has also given his other opening partner Shubman Gill the confidence to bat freely at the other end. Clearly, the youngster’s inclusion in the team has come as a fresh of breath air, who now harbor hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.

Iyer’s latest knock of 67 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) yet again laid the foundation for the team. Although KKR lost the match by five wickets, the southpaw’s batting was lauded by all. Cricketer-turned-expert Sanjay Manjrekar lavished praise on Venkatesh Iyer and feels he can easily go for 12-14 crores in the auction.

“I am thinking Venkatesh Iyer will get 12 to 14 crores because this is not kind of fluke show. I was looking at his First-class numbers and his List A record is outstanding. His average is 47 strikes at 92, 93, and his T20 record domestic not IPL is also fantastic. There again strike rate is pretty high the average is 37. This is a guy who knows how to bat. First-class batting average of 36 plus he is a bowler. And in the last match, he showed that he can bowl the tough overs too. So he is somebody that is going to fetch a high price,” Manjrekar said according to ESPN Cricinfo.

Kolkata Knight Riders suffer a five-wicket loss against Punjab Kings

After Iyer’s blistering knock of 67 runs, KKR innings flopped as their middle-order batters failed to get going. Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthick, and Tim Seifert scored 2, 11, and 2 respectively as KKR could post only 165. PBKS chased down the target with relative ease with skipper KL Rahul leading the charge with a well-made 67 runs.