Venkatesh Iyer returns to the IPL 2026 mini-auction in one of the most dramatic valuation resets the league has seen in recent years. After being bought for an enormous ₹23.75 crore in the previous mega auction, the Kolkata Knight Riders have released him following an inconsistent season that produced only modest returns. He now re-enters the pool with a base price of ₹2 crore, making him one of only two Indians in that premium bracket, yet at a fraction of his earlier valuation.
Even with the dip in form, Iyer remains a rare commodity: a left-handed top-order batter who can bowl seam. Teams still value this combination, but they will approach his bidding far more cautiously than before. The biggest question is which franchise can invest in his profile without repeating the mistakes of overpayment.
Chennai Super Kings appear to be the most natural fit. With a purse of ₹43.3 crore and gaps created by the departures of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, CSK lack a left-hander who can bat in the top six and provide balance with the ball. The conditions in Chennai reward versatile Indian players, and Iyer’s role flexibility makes him attractive. Because CSK have both clarity and financial room, they are among the few franchises capable of pushing his bid into double digits if they see him as a long-term component.
Kolkata Knight Riders, despite releasing him, remain a potential destination. Their decision to let him go was strategic rather than emotional, intended to rebalance their squad after a high-cost, low-return season. With the largest purse in the auction at ₹64.30 crore, KKR are perfectly placed for a value buy-back if the market cools and rival teams hesitate. Should Iyer’s price settle in the 8–10 crore range, KKR may consider re-signing him while addressing other squad needs such as death bowling and finishing.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru also hold genuine interest, rooted in their aggressive bid for Iyer in the previous mega auction when they pushed KKR to ₹23 crore. RCB saw him as an ideal top-order left-hander who could attack pace at Chinnaswamy and offer a couple of overs. While he does not resolve all their structural concerns, he fits several roles they value, which keeps them in the conversation—provided the bidding does not escalate excessively.
Setting a ₹2 crore base price is a calculated gamble from Iyer’s camp. It eliminates low-intent bidders but signals that he expects a mid-tier valuation. In the current market, it is difficult to imagine him going below 6–7 crore. The most realistic band appears to be 8–11 crore, with a slim possibility of reaching 12 crore if a bidding war emerges between CSK and one of KKR or RCB. Anything significantly higher would resemble the overreach of 2025, where teams paid for potential rather than recent performance.
The 2026 auction will ultimately determine how franchises value a multi-skilled Indian player coming off a subdued season. CSK offer the cleanest tactical match, RCB bring an element of unfinished pursuit, and KKR linger as a familiar yet financially stronger option. Venkatesh Iyer may never again command a ₹23.75 crore price tag, but his skillset ensures that he will remain a relevant and sought-after figure in a market that prizes flexibility and Indian all-rounders.
