PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Venkatesh Rajasekaran Iyer
Nickname: Venky
Profession: Cricketer (All-rounder)
Date of Birth: 25 December 1994 (Sunday)
Age (as of 2024): 30 Years
Birthplace: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Zodiac sign: Capricorn
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Indore, India
Caste: Tamil Brahmin
Engagement Date: November 2023
Age: 30 Years
Check Out Other Celebrities Biography
- naveen patnaik biography
- genelia dsouza biography
- kamini chopra handa mannara chopras mother biography
- ravi sihag ias biography
- faizal malik biography
EDUCATION
School: St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Indore
College/University: Institute Of Management Studies, DAVV University, Indore
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 183 cm in meters – 1.83 m in feet & inches – 6’ 0”
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Black
Height: 6′ 0″
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Engaged
Wife/Spouse/Fiancée: Shruti Raghunathan
Parents: Father – Rajasekaran Iyer Mother – Name not known
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: ODI – On 19 January 2022 against South Africa at Boland Park Test – Yet to make T20 – On 17 November 2021 against New Zealand at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
MONEY FACTOR
Salary (IPL): Rs. 23.75 Crore (as of 2025)
Net Worth (approx.): 20 Lakhs INR
OTHER INFORMATION
Jersey Number: # 25 (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Domestic/State Team: • Kolkata Knight Riders • Madhya Pradesh • Madhya Pradesh Under-16s
Records (main ones): • Highest runs scored in a List-A game
Cricketer: Batsman – Sourav Ganguly , Alastair Cook
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Venkatesh Iyer, an emerging talent in Indian cricket, represents Madhya Pradesh as a batting all-rounder and showcases his skills in the Indian Premier League with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Hailing from a modest background, Iyer’s journey into the world of cricket began at the tender age of ten when he joined a local cricket club in his hometown of Indore. His early passion for the game saw him take on the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman until he found a newfound interest in bowling, ignited by a chance opportunity during a match. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his evolution as a versatile cricketer who could contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
Iyer made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, facing Hyderabad in Indore. Although he did not get to bat in that match, he made his mark by taking one wicket in just two overs. His performance in the first-class arena continued to develop, with Iyer accumulating a total of 545 runs from 15 innings across ten matches, boasting an impressive average of 36.33. His highest score of 93 runs showcases his potential, while his bowling prowess is evident in the seven wickets he has taken, achieving best figures of 3 for 46. This solid foundation paved the way for his future successes in List-A and T20 formats.
Iyer’s List-A debut arrived earlier in his career on December 11, 2015, when he faced Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although he only scored 16 runs in that match, he quickly found his stride in subsequent games. Over 24 List-A matches, he has accumulated 849 runs at an outstanding average of 47.16, along with ten wickets at an economy rate of 5.38. A highlight of his List-A career came when he scored a staggering 198 runs against Punjab in the Elite Group D match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at Holkar Stadium. In a remarkable display of batting, Iyer struck 20 boundaries and seven sixes off 146 balls, falling just two runs short of a double-century, and leading his team to a commanding victory by 105 runs.
His transition to T20 cricket began with his debut for Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on March 25, 2015. While he did not get the opportunity to showcase his batting in that match, Iyer did manage to take one wicket. Over the course of 38 T20 matches, he has taken 21 wickets at an economy rate of 6.98, further solidifying his all-rounder status. In the highly competitive environment of the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders recognized his potential and acquired him at a base price of 20 lakhs INR during the auction, positioning him among formidable teammates like Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. This exposure provided a significant learning opportunity for Iyer, enabling him to develop alongside seasoned players.
In November 2024, Iyer’s career reached a remarkable milestone when he was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for an astonishing Rs. 23.75 crore during the IPL auction for the 2025 season, setting a record for the highest amount ever paid for an all-rounder in IPL history. This achievement not only reflects his hard work and dedication but also underscores his rising status in Indian cricket as he continues to captivate fans and experts alike with his talent and determination.
—
Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.