Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for a hefty sum of INR 23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, has faced criticism for not living up to the expectations that come with the price tag. In response to this, Iyer has made a bold statement, asserting control over his career and dismissing the significance of external opinions.

Following an underwhelming IPL 2025 season where he only managed to score 142 runs in 11 matches, with his team finishing eighth in the points table, Iyer has come under fire from fans and analysts alike. Despite the pressure, the 30-year-old maintains that the criticism doesn't faze him. He emphasizes that his focus remains on his own game and the team's goals, rather than being swayed by outside voices.

Iyer stated that he is only answerable to the people who have a direct impact on his life and the franchise that has invested in him. He dismisses the opinions of those who are not even on his contact list, emphasizing that it is his life, his career, and his team's decision to spend that amount on him.

The pressure of the price tag was acknowledged by Iyer himself. He admitted that he couldn't ignore the scrutiny surrounding it, as he was constantly reminded of it. However, he remained determined to fulfill his responsibilities and not let the expectations affect him.

Despite the criticism, Iyer has found support within the KKR management. CEO Venky Mysore has reportedly downplayed the price tag, emphasizing Iyer's role in the team's overall scheme. According to Iyer, Mysore clarified that once the team is built, the individual amounts spent on players become irrelevant.

Iyer sees his IPL 2025 season as a learning experience. He acknowledges that there were hindrances to his performance but chooses to focus on the positives and the lessons learned. He believes that performing under pressure requires a special skillset and is determined to improve in this area.

Looking ahead, Iyer aims to rebuild his bowling workload and make a case for his selection in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite speculations about a potential trade ahead of IPL 2026, Iyer has denied such rumors, stating that he has not received any communication from the KKR management regarding this.

While KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane admitted that the team's batting unit fell short in IPL 2025, he defended Iyer, stating that his attitude was fantastic and that he was focused on the right things. Rahane dismissed the notion that the price tag had any impact on Iyer's performance.