I Thought Venkatesh Iyer Was Someone With a Lot of Attitude: Nayar

Venkatesh Iyer has been one of the most talked‑about names in Indian cricket over the past few years. Known for his powerful hitting, useful seam bowling, and energetic presence on the field, Venkatesh Iyer’s journey has been a roller‑coaster ride of early promise, big paydays, and recent challenges. But beyond the stats and performances, one of the most interesting aspects of his cricketing story involves how he was perceived by those who first gave him a big break — especially Abhishek Nayar, his coach at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

In a recent interview, Nayar revealed that what stood out most about Venkatesh in their early days wasn’t just his cricketing ability — it was his attitude. That impression, according to Nayar, played a big role in why KKR initially backed him and ultimately shaped his IPL journey.

Below, we take a closer look at this fascinating behind‑the‑scenes story and unpack what it means for Venkatesh Iyer’s career moving forward.

Who Is Venkatesh Iyer?

Venkatesh Iyer is a professional Indian cricketer from Madhya Pradesh who first came into the limelight through his performances in domestic cricket. His breakthrough, however, came when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him ahead of the IPL 2021 season, giving him a platform to shine on one of the biggest stages in world T20 cricket.

Over the next few seasons, he became a regular for KKR, impressing with his aggressive batting and all‑round skills. His rise was meteoric — from earning a modest contract early on to becoming one of the higher‑priced Indian players in the IPL auctions.

Yet, despite flashes of brilliance, consistency proved elusive, culminating in a tough 2025 season that saw him released ahead of the IPL 2026 mini‑auction.

The First Impression: “A Lot of Attitude”

In a candid chat on The Great Indian Cricket Show, Abhishek Nayar — now the head coach at KKR — shared an unforgettable anecdote about Venkatesh Iyer from their first days together.

Walking In With Swagger

Nayar recalled how on the first day of trials, Iyer walked in with confidence. He performed well, but what struck Nayar most was that Iyer never seemed to be performing for the selectors — he wasn’t trying to please anyone or curry favour. According to Nayar, that kind of self‑assured presence spoke volumes about his mindset.

“I actually picked him because of his attitude. … I thought he was someone with a lot of attitude,” Nayar explained.

This wasn’t meant as a criticism. Instead, it pointed to a deeper sense of self‑belief and natural composure under scrutiny — qualities many coaches treasure in competitive sports.

Going Beyond Words: Willingness to Take Risks

The attitude Nayar highlighted wasn’t just about confidence. It translated into action. On the second day of trials, during a practice match, a bowler on the team suddenly cramped up in the final over. Without hesitation, Iyer — fielding near the boundary — called out that he would bowl the over himself.

The result? He conceded 18 runs. But instead of worrying about failure, Iyer stepped up when his team needed someone to take responsibility. That willingness to face adversity — even at the risk of looking bad — impressed Nayar more than any number on a scorecard.

For a coach, that kind of grit often outweighs raw statistical output in trials. It signals a player who believes in his abilities and isn’t afraid to stand up at crunch moments — a trait that can make all the difference over the long haul.

From Early Days to IPL Star

Venkatesh Iyer’s performance trajectory after that first impression was notable:

2021 IPL Season:

• Iyer burst onto the scene with impactful performances that helped KKR reach the finals.

2024 IPL Season:

• He continued to make valuable contributions, including 370 runs at an impressive strike rate during his side’s title‑winning year.

However, the 2025 season proved tough. A significant dip in batting returns — just 142 runs in 11 matches — left him struggling to justify the hefty price tag he commanded in the previous auction.

Despite these ups and downs, that initial story of attitude remains a powerful part of how many insiders view his potential.

Released but Not Forgotten: A New Chapter

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini‑auction, KKR released Venkatesh Iyer, making him available again with a base price of approximately ₹2 crore — a stark contrast to the ₹23.75 crore he fetched just last year.

This shift has sparked discussions across the cricketing world:

• Has Iyer lost his form, or is he simply due for a reset?
• Will a change of environment spark a revival in his game?
• Could KKR buy him back at a lower price?

All eyes will be on the auction to see where he lands and how the next chapter of his IPL career unfolds.

What This Means for Venkatesh Iyer’s Future

Venkatesh Iyer’s story highlights a crucial truth in sports: attitude matters. Numbers tell part of the story, but belief, resilience, and the courage to take chances often define a player’s long‑term success.

For Iyer, there’s plenty of untapped potential. While the recent slump has been disappointing, past performances and the respect he earned from his coaches suggest he still has much to offer.

Whether he gets a fresh start with a new franchise or returns to KKR, one thing remains clear — his early attitude and fearless approach helped launch a memorable IPL journey, and those traits could fuel his resurgence in the seasons to come.

Conclusion

Venkatesh Iyer is at a crossroads. From making a strong first impression with his attitude to facing the reality of professional setbacks, his journey encapsulates the highs and lows of elite sport. Coaches like Abhishek Nayar saw something in Iyer that went beyond talent — they saw heart. Now, as the IPL 2026 auction looms, the cricketing world watches to see where that heart takes him next.

Also Read: Tilak Verma Becomes Youngest Indian to 1,000 T20I Runs! – Logic Matters