Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has shared a strong opinion about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, saying that the franchise should release him instead of considering a trade. According to Srikkanth, Iyer’s performances over the last two IPL seasons have been disappointing, and no team would trade for him at his current value. He believes teams would prefer to buy him at a much lower price in the next auction.

The three-time IPL champions had secured Iyer for a massive INR 23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the 30-year-old failed to live up to expectations, scoring at an average of only 20.28 across 11 matches in the season. “He’s not a tradeable asset. He’ll be released. No team will trade for him and look to buy him. Instead, in the auction, he can be bought easily for Rs. 3 crores. The last two years he hasn’t been great. He only scored in the semi-final and final. Throughout the tournament, he didn’t score much. When he came into KKR, he was an explosive opening batter. His best position is opening,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth further added that Iyer’s inconsistency has cost him value as an IPL player, and KKR might need to look for fresh options to strengthen their top order in the upcoming season.

Srikkanth’s Advice to MI and SRH Before IPL 2026

Along with his comments on KKR, Srikkanth also suggested that Mumbai Indians (MI) should release Deepak Chahar ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The pacer, bought for INR 9.25 crore, struggled through the 2025 season, taking only 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.17. “MI should definitely release Deepak Chahar. He struggles to run or field. Half the time, he walks off the field unfit as well. Why will I keep him in the squad? MI is a set team as is,” Srikkanth said.

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The former Indian opener also spoke about Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and their South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen, who was bought for INR 23 crore, had a decent season with an average of over 44 but lacked consistency. “Why would you release Heinrich Klaasen? The year before, he only scored big for them. Last season, they messed with his batting position too much. He batted at 5 at times and played as a finisher after 16 overs a few times. Instead, they should let him bat at 3 from the 3rd over itself. And you don’t even have to give him any instructions, plus he’s still keeping superbly too. If you release him, then it’ll be difficult to get him back,” Srikkanth concluded.