Venkatesh Iyer, an all-rounder for Madhya Pradesh and India, is "definitely ready" to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) if given the opportunity. After releasing Shreyas Iyer, who took over as captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), the reigning champions are yet to name a new captain for their IPL 2025 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22. Iyer, who was purchased back for a record INR 23.75 crore (about US$ 2.83 million), is reportedly one of the top candidates, along with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, although KKR has not yet announced their new captain.

Although Iyer, who is 30, has never led in competitive cricket, he is eager for the experience. "Definitely. Definitely, I'm ready," he said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo recently. "Again, I've always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader.