Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has urged Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release their star player ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, calling his price tag too high. Finch advised KKR to buy him back at a more reasonable price at the auction.<\/p>\n
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has made a strong statement about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, suggesting the franchise should release him ahead of Iyer had a poor IPL 2025 season, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29. His performances did not match the heavy price tag he carried. KKR, who finished eighth last season under Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s captaincy, will look for a major turnaround in IPL 2026 as they rebuild their squad.<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADFinch says the move will help KKR free up funds<\/p>\n Finch also suggested the same, saying KKR should release the Indian all-rounder before the auction and look to buy him back for a reasonable price. Finch said the move will help KKR free up funds for the upcoming mini-auction, which is scheduled to be held in mid-December.<\/p>\n \u201cPaying 23.75 crore is too high for a player like Venkatesh Iyer, who has been used out of position as a middle-order batter without utilising his bowling. While Venkatesh Iyer has been a match-winner for KKR, being their top scorer in 2021 and helping them lift the trophy in 2024, his inconsistent role and high price tag don\u2019t align. KKR should consider releasing him to free up funds and potentially buy him back at a more reasonable price that matches his current role in the team.\u201d<\/p>\n Venkatesh Iyer\u2019s big price tag \ud83d\udcb0 With plenty on the line ahead of TATA IPL 2026, Aaron Finch reveals who #KKR<\/a> should Hold or Fold! \ud83d\udc9c<\/p>\n WATCH TATA IPL 2026 Retention Special \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb SAT, 15th NOV, 5 PM on Star Sports\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/yU8MeHgKhS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Meanwhile, reports suggest that KKR have held talks with Delhi Capitals (DC) over a possible move to bring KL Rahul as their new captain, replacing Rahane. However, the discussions have reportedly stalled, as KKR are unwilling to part ways with any of their key players to complete the trade.<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n The Capitals reportedly wanted either Harshit Rana and Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Rinku Singh and Raghuvanshi in exchange for Rahul. But KKR didn\u2019t agree to these proposals, which have halted the talks. KKR also have a new coach for IPL 2026 with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar taking over.<\/p>\n Home<\/a>First Cricket<\/a>Aaron Finch drops truth bomb on KKR’s star player ahead of IPL 2026: ‘Buy him back at a more reasonable price’End of Article
\nIPL 2026<\/a> auction. Speaking to JioStar, Finch said that KKR\u2019s decision to buy Iyer for INR 23.75 crore was \u201ctoo high\u201d given his performance last season.<\/p>\n
Quinton de Kock\u2019s experience \ud83e\udde0
Andre Russell\u2019s explosiveness \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n