‘He’s not a tradable asset’ - Former opener's straightforward take on Venkatesh Iyer ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

Published - 07 Nov 2025, 13:01 IST | Updated - 07 Nov 2025, 13:02 IST

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth believes that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is not a tradable asset. Srikkanth expressed his disappointment with Iyer’s performances over the past two IPL seasons, suggesting that other teams would prefer to buy him at a lower price in the upcoming auction rather than trade for his current value.

The three-time IPL champions had acquired Iyer for a massive INR 23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the 30-year-old failed to justify the price tag, managing an average of only 20.28 across 11 matches in the 2025 season.

"He's not a tradeable asset. He'll be released. No team will trade for him and look to buy him. Instead in the auction, he can be bought easily for Rs. 3 crores. The last two years he hasn't been great. He only scored in the semi-final and final. Throughout the tournament, he didn't score much in the IPL over the last two seasons. When he came into KKR, he was an explosive opening batter. His best position is opening,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth also urged the Mumbai Indians (MI) to release Deepak Chahar ahead of the auction. The franchise had bought Chahar for INR 9.25 crore, but the pacer endured a below-par 2025 season, managing 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.17.

"MI should definitely release Deepak Chahar. He struggles to run or field. Half the time, he walks off the field unfit as well. Why will I keep him in the squad? MI is a set team as is," said Srikkanth.

The former Indian opener also expressed his thoughts on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Klaasen was one of the big-money signings at the IPL 2025 auction, purchased for a hefty INR 23 crore. Despite finishing the 2025 season with an impressive average of over 44, he struggled to deliver consistent match-winning performances for SRH.

"Why would you release Heinrich Klaasen? The year before, he only scored big for them. Last season, they messed with his batting position too much. He batted at 5 at times and played as a finisher after 16 overs a few times. Instead, they should let him bat at 3 from the 3rd over itself. And you don't even have to give him any instructions plus he's still keeping superbly too. If you release him, then it'll be difficult to get him back. Although we have to see which team has the space to buy him,” said Srikkanth.