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Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and chose to bat first against a reshuffled Chennai Super Kings side in a key Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture at Eden Gardens. While KKR still chase a playoff spot, CSK are out of contention but hope to bow out with pride.
Reason behind Venkatesh Iyer’s absence from KKR vs CSK clash
Kolkata were forced into a last-minute change as star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, retained for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, was sidelined after sustaining a hand injury that required multiple stitches on his left hand. The setback disrupted KKR’s team balance, especially given Iyer’s dual role as a top-order aggressor and a part-time seam option.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed the development at the toss: “The last two games were really good for us. Just one change—Venkatesh Iyer misses out due to stitches, Manish Pandey comes in,”
Veteran Indian batter Manish Pandey was handed his outing as Iyer’s replacement. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings, Pandey’s inclusion offers KKR some stability in the middle order. However, the absence of Iyer, a left-handed power-hitter capable of changing games in the middle overs, may be felt, particularly against CSK’s spin-heavy attack. The management will hope Pandey can bring both solidity and experience at a crucial juncture in the tournament.
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Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders
Despite being one of KKR’s most expensive retentions ahead of the 2025 season, Iyer’s performances have been underwhelming. In eight matches, he has scored just 132 runs at an average of 16.50 and a strike rate of 121. His failure to convert starts into substantial contributions has raised concerns within the KKR camp. Moreover, Iyer’s bowling, once a valuable backup seam option, has been conspicuously absent this season, diminishing his impact as an all-rounder. With the playoffs race heating up, Iyer’s lack of form and injury woes add to the challenges facing the KKR management. The decision to invest heavily in him now appears to be a gamble that hasn’t paid off—at least this season. As the team recalibrates its strategy in his absence, the onus will be on others in the squad to step up and deliver under pressure.
