In a worrying development for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2025, star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer sustained a painful ankle injury during a Ranji Trophy clash between Madhya Pradesh and Kerala on Thursday, January 23. The match, held in Trivandrum, saw Iyer retire hurt after a brief and unfortunate stint at the crease.

Details of the injury

Iyer came in to bat at No. 6 after Madhya Pradesh were reeling at 49/4 in the 18th over, following a strong bowling performance by Kerala, who opted to field first after winning the toss. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old lasted just three balls before twisting his ankle while attempting a quick movement. Grimacing in pain, Iyer was helped off the field by the team’s physio and reserve players, unable to continue his innings.

Later in the match, Iyer was spotted in the dugout, one pad still on, with his injured leg propped up on a chair. While the exact severity of the injury is yet to be confirmed, the incident has raised concerns for KKR, who had invested heavily in the all-rounder during the IPL 2025 auction.

A major blow for KKR

The injury comes as a significant setback for KKR, who acquired Iyer for a whopping ₹26.5 crore, making him the third-most expensive player of the IPL 2025 auction. Only Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) fetched higher bids. KKR’s aggressive pursuit of Iyer in the auction showcased their faith in his abilities, as they outbid strong competition from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to bring him back into their fold.

Iyer’s absence, if prolonged, could impact KKR’s title defense significantly. The franchise will be hoping the injury is minor and that the star all-rounder can recover in time for the IPL 2025 season, scheduled to begin in March.

KKR’s faith in Iyer stems from his remarkable performance in the 2024 season. Released ahead of the auction, Iyer forced his way back into the squad with consistent displays, scoring 370 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 46.25 and a strike rate of 158.79. His campaign included four half-centuries, underlining his importance to the team’s batting lineup.

Known for his versatility, Iyer has been a vital cog for KKR, contributing not only with the bat but also as a handy bowler. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games makes him a key asset for the defending champions. Losing him for any part of the season could derail KKR’s plans, as they look to maintain their dominance in IPL 2025.