Fri Apr 04 18:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Iyer shrugs off IPL price tag pressure after match-winning knock
**Kolkata, India** – Venkatesh Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) record INR 23.75 crore buy at the IPL 2025 auction, downplayed the pressure associated with his hefty price tag following a crucial 60-run innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Iyer’s explosive knock helped KKR post a challenging 200-run total.
In a post-match press conference, Iyer emphasized that the price paid for a player doesn’t dictate their on-field performance. “Once the IPL starts, it doesn’t matter whether you were sold for Rs 20 lakh or 20 crore,” he stated. He pointed to teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s strong showing despite being acquired for significantly less (INR 3 crore) as evidence that individual performance trumps price.
While acknowledging the pressure to perform, Iyer clarified that his focus remains on contributing to the team’s success. “The pressure isn’t about the money, it’s about how I can contribute to the team’s success,” he said. He also highlighted his role in adapting to the pitch conditions and utilizing the team’s strong batting lineup effectively. Iyer’s performance included a brutal 20-run over against SRH captain Pat Cummins, but he attributed his success to focusing on the ball rather than the bowler.
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