Venkatesh Iyer Biography: Venkatesh Iyer is an Indian cricketer who plays as an all-rounder for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium bowler, Venkatesh made his T20 International debut for India against New Zealand on November 17, 2021. This article delves into his biography, family background, education, career, and more.
Who is Venkatesh Iyer | Venkatesh Iyer Biography
Venkatesh Iyer, born on December 25, 1994, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a talented cricketer who has made a name for himself in both domestic and international cricket. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, Venkatesh is known for his powerful batting and effective bowling, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Birth and Family of Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer was born into a middle-class family in Indore. His father, Rajasekaran Iyer, is a human resources consultant, while his mother, Usha Iyer, worked as the head nurse at Apollo Hospital in Indore. He has an elder sister named Priya Lakshman Rao. Venkatesh recently got engaged to Shruti Ragunathan in November 2023.
Venkatesh Iyer Education
Venkatesh completed his schooling at St. Paul Higher Secondary School in Indore. He pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from the Institute of Management Studies, DAVV University, Indore. In addition to his academic pursuits, he also studied to become a Chartered Accountant (CA), showcasing his commitment to education and personal development.
Early Career of Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer started playing cricket at the age of 10 and joined a cricket club in Indore to hone his skills. Initially playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he developed an interest in bowling after being given an opportunity in a match. His impressive performances at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels for Madhya Pradesh earned him a spot in the senior team.
Domestic Cricket Career
Venkatesh made his T20 debut for Madhya Pradesh on March 25, 2015, against Railways in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He made an immediate impact, taking 1 wicket for 21 runs in 3 overs. He debuted in List A cricket on December 11, 2015, against Saurashtra and in first-class cricket on December 6, 2018, against Hyderabad, where he took 1/16 in his first match.
During the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Venkatesh emerged as the top scorer for Madhya Pradesh, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66. He continued his excellent form in the 2021-22 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 379 runs with two centuries and taking 9 wickets in 6 matches. His standout performance came against Punjab, where he scored 198 runs off 146 balls, breaking the List A record for the highest score by a batsman batting at number six or lower.
IPL Career
In February 2021, Venkatesh Iyer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his base price of INR 20 lakhs. He made his IPL debut on September 20, 2021, against Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring an unbeaten 41 runs off 27 balls. He scored his first IPL half-century on September 23, 2021, against Mumbai Indians. In IPL 2021, he played 10 matches, scoring 370 runs at an average of 41.11 and taking 3 wickets.
KKR retained Venkatesh Iyer for INR 8 crores for the 2022 season, where he scored 182 runs in 12 matches. During the 2023 IPL season, he scored his maiden IPL century against Mumbai Indians, amassing 104 runs off 51 balls. He ended the season with 404 runs in 14 matches, and KKR retained him for the 2024 season. In IPL 2024, Venkatesh scored 370 runs in 14 matches, playing a crucial role in KKR’s third IPL title win by scoring an unbeaten 52 runs in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
International Career
Venkatesh Iyer made his T20 International debut for India on November 17, 2021, against New Zealand. Although he only managed to score 4 runs, his potential was evident. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on January 19, 2022, against South Africa but was dismissed for just 2 runs. Despite these setbacks, Venkatesh remains a promising talent in Indian cricket.
Records and Achievements of Venkatesh Iyer
- Highest Score in List A Cricket: Venkatesh holds the record for the highest score in List A cricket by a batsman batting at number six or lower, scoring 198 runs.
- Top Scorer for Madhya Pradesh: He was the top scorer for Madhya Pradesh in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Consistent Performer in IPL Playoffs: Venkatesh is the first player to score four consecutive half-centuries in IPL playoffs.
- Second Centurion for KKR: He is the second player to score a century for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Personal Life
Venkatesh Iyer is engaged to Shruti Ragunathan, who holds a Master’s degree in Fashion Management from NIFT India and currently works at Lifestyle International Private Limited in Bengaluru. Shruti is active on social media and frequently shares glimpses of her life and relationship with Venkatesh.
Net Worth
Venkatesh Iyer’s net worth is estimated to be around INR 25 crores. He earns a significant income from his IPL contract with KKR, which pays him INR 8 crores annually. Additionally, he makes money from domestic cricket and brand endorsements. Venkatesh owns a Harley Davidson bike and a Toyota Fortuner. He also has ancestral property in Tamil Nadu and a house in Madhya Pradesh.
Interesting Facts
- Venkatesh Iyer is passionate about reading motivational books and stories.
- He is a trained Tumbi player and often uses this traditional instrument in his music.
- Venkatesh admires singers like Jagmohan Kaur, Kuldeep Manak, Chamkila, Garry Sandhu, and Satinder Sartaj.
- He enjoys traditional Punjabi dishes like Makki Roti and Sarson Saag, Chole Bhature, and Rajma Rice.
Conclusion
Venkatesh Iyer’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Indore to an IPL star and international cricketer is truly inspiring. His dedication, hard work, and versatility have made him a prominent figure in Indian cricket. As he continues to evolve as a player, Venkatesh Iyer remains a name to watch in the cricketing world.
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