Mon Apr 21 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## KKR’s Costly Mistake? Venkatesh Iyer’s Poor Performance Sparks Outrage After ₹23.75 Crore Auction Bid

**Ahmedabad, India** – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer’s underwhelming performance against Gujarat Titans in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media. Iyer, purchased for a staggering ₹23.75 crore at the auction, managed only 14 runs off 19 balls before being dismissed by Sai Kishore in the 12th over.

Chasing a challenging 199-run target, KKR lost early wickets and looked to Iyer to build a crucial partnership. However, his slow innings put further pressure on captain Ajinkya Rahane. The poor showing has led to widespread condemnation from fans, questioning the franchise’s decision to spend such a significant sum on a player who delivered such a disappointing performance.

Social media erupted with angry reactions, many calling the auction bid the “worst decision ever” in IPL history. Several tweets highlighted the stark contrast between Iyer’s price tag and his contribution to the team’s score. Criticism ranged from questioning his batting technique to outright accusations of him being an overvalued, one-dimensional player. Some fans even lamented the franchise’s decision to prioritize Iyer over other players like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer in previous years.

At the 12-over mark, KKR’s score stood at 86 for 3, with Rahane and Rinku Singh attempting to salvage the innings. The team’s future prospects, especially considering Iyer’s hefty price tag and apparent underperformance, remain uncertain. The incident raises significant questions about the value of player auctions and the risks involved in high-stakes bidding.

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