IPL 2025 KKR Captaincy; Venkatesh Iyer Ranji Trophy Match | Pressure of price tag on KKR’s most expensive player: Venkatesh said – Getting a big amount was a surprise, but one has to perform on the field.

Question- What chances do you see for Madhya Pradesh in the current Ranji season? Venkatesh- The chances are full. If we win both the matches with bonus points, there will definitely be a chance. We never play thinking ahead. Winning the match is in our hands, let’s see what happens in the qualification…?

Question- What is your own strategy against Kerala and UP? Venkatesh- There is a similar strategy against every team as to how I should contribute with bat and ball. How can I do well in both the departments? By scoring runs, taking wickets or taking some catches in fielding. There is no different plan against Kerala and UP also. Will study their bowlers. I will try to bat accordingly.

Question- Vijay Hazare was not special, but did well in Mushtaq Ali? Venkatesh– I don’t judge myself by runs and wickets. What impact have I made on the team? I judge myself accordingly. Didn’t get a chance to enter Vijay Hazare. My proper batting came in only one match. Unfortunately, I got run out in that too. For me, runs and wickets do not matter as much as the impact of a match, especially in white ball. I had tried my best, but could not see the same results on the team.

Question- Punjab has made Iyer and Lucknow has made Pant the captain, both of whom have been bought by the franchises for huge sums. Do you also expect captaincy from the franchise? Venkatesh– No, it’s nothing like that. If I get it I will definitely do it. I have been in the leadership role of the team before also. It is not necessary that the leader gets the tag of captaincy. If I get it, I will do it very happily. Even if I don’t get it, I am ready to contribute for the team.

Question- He is the third most expensive player of India. Was such a huge amount expected? Venkatesh– No, I did not expect that much. It was a bit surprising. But, yes, happy that all the hard work is paying off. Both in terms of results and also in terms of financial. It is a matter of pride to receive such a huge amount. This shows how much trust Kolkata has shown in me. I am very happy and hope that I can live up to that.

Question- The most expensive player of the team…does this tag increase the pressure? Venkatesh– There will be pressure. If I say that there will be no pressure of price tag then it is all a lie. There is definitely pressure. We live in a world dominated by social media. But, as soon as IPL starts, it does not matter who is a Rs 20 crore player or a Rs 20 lakh player. I have to contribute for the team and make the team win matches.

Question- What role do you see for yourself, what role did you get last time? VenkateshThe role has always been to perform for the team wherever I play. Last time it was a floater role. Had to bat at different positions. If I get that role this time too, I am ready.

Question- KKR faces the challenge of defending the title in IPL-2025. Do you consider it more difficult to win the title or to retain the title? Venkatesh– Every tournament is a different tournament. All teams play with different combinations. It doesn’t matter how you played last time. But, I think we have retained our core. 9 players from the winning team have returned to us. Which will make us feel confident.

Once the tournament starts, it does not matter who is the defending champion. It remains in everyone’s mind that they have to win this time. Whatever happened in the past, we forget it all.

Question- Sunil Narine was out on 11 runs in the last final. What was the strategy after that? Venkatesh– I was only thinking of winning. What was in my mind was that I should not give tension to anyone and should finish the match quickly. This was the way of KKR. The only thing discussed in the management was how to entertain the crowd while batting. Sometimes wickets may fall quickly. But every batsman had the same intention as to entertain the crowd.

Venkatesh Iyer and captain Shreyas Iyer after Kolkata won the final of IPL-2024.

Question- BCCI has advised big players to play domestic tournaments like Ranji. How do you see it? How much benefit will the youth get from this? Venkatesh– I think that’s a very good effort. If big players play, a good environment will be created among those in the team. Seniors will also be able to share their experiences. Domestic cricket also has equal importance. This is a very big tournament. Playing this game is a big achievement in itself. Playing of Indian players will also increase the confidence of domestic players.

Question- Experts are raising questions on the Impact Player rule. His argument is that this will reduce the role of the all-rounder. How do you see it as an all-rounder? Venkatesh– I don’t think the role of all-rounders will reduce. This gives all-rounders an opportunity to use both their skills. Because of this, Hardik Pandya, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell have not stopped bowling 4 overs.

This means that you are a quality all-rounder. If you have the ability to bowl 4 overs and bat. So this rule won’t make that much difference. This gives captains an additional option while making strategies.

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