Mon Nov 04 09:33:28 UTC 2024: ## Former KKR Batter Venkatesh Iyer Credits Gautam Gambhir for Leadership Skills
**Kolkata, India** – Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer has credited now-India head coach Gautam Gambhir for fostering his leadership qualities during their time together at the IPL franchise.
Iyer, who plays for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, got to learn from the two-time World Cup winner for a single season before Gambhir took up the Indian national team coaching role. He credits Gambhir for empowering him to voice his opinions and take charge on the field.
“Gautam Gambhir told me that after four years with the franchise, my opinions have value and should be shared,” Iyer said. He specifically highlighted the time he was appointed vice-captain during IPL 2024 due to an injury to Nitish Rana.
“He encouraged me to take responsibility, change the field and make adjustments,” Iyer added. “That’s what felt very empowering. I know I will be a leader in any dressing room I walk into.”
Despite being a key player for KKR, Iyer was not retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. While he admitted to being emotional about the decision, he respected the franchise’s choices and expressed hope that KKR would consider him in the upcoming auction.
“KKR was like a family, and I had some fantastic moments with the team,” Iyer said. “I do hope that KKR will see value in putting up the paddle for me.”
The franchise retained Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh for the upcoming season.
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