No retention for Venkatesh Iyer! KKR likely to release some big names ahead of IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to drop some big names ahead of the IPL 2025 season. One of the big names that could be shown the exit door before the mega auction later this year is none other than Venkatesh Iyer. According to the latest reports, the Indore-based all-rounder is reportedly looking to leave the franchise, with whom he has been since the 2021 season. A hefty price tag of Rs 23.75 crore got too big on the all-rounder, as he could only manage one half-century across seven innings. 

It is worth mentioning that Iyer has not represented any other franchise apart from KKR. Many experts have started speculating that Iyer would be traded to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Ishan Kishan. But for the time being, such claims haven't been confirmed, with the all-rounder himself admitting that he hasn't been contacted by anyone regarding such a trade deal.

See also: Mohammad Kaif picks his India XI for Asia Cup 2025

Nortje and De Kock amongst others to follow suit

According to sources from RevSportz, the 2024 IPL champions are also reportedly considering letting go of some other big names, such as Quinton de Kock, Spencer Johnson, and Anrich Nortje, ahead of the next IPL season. The South African southpaw endured a mediocre season, scoring at an average of just 21.1 with just one half-century to his name.

Spencer Johnson, on the other hand, had a poor outing across all four games he played as he could only muster a solitary wicket. Nortje also had very little impact with the ball, picking up just two wickets in the entire season. The South African quick has shown a tendency to succumb to injuries in the past. Bearing that fact in mind, the franchise will definitely look to part ways with him and replace him with someone who is less injury-prone.