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Why Venkatesh Iyer Was Absent from KKR vs CSK in IPL 2025
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 was set to be a high-stakes encounter at Eden Gardens. But fans were left surprised when Venkatesh Iyer, KKR’s INR 23.75 crore all-rounder, was missing from the playing XI. Here’s the full story behind his absence and what it means for KKR’s playoff hopes.
The Reason: Injury Forces Venkatesh Iyer Out
At the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane revealed the reason: Venkatesh Iyer had to sit out due to stitches on his hand. This injury ruled him out of the crucial match, and Manish Pandey was named as his replacement. For Pandey, this was only his second appearance in IPL 2025.
Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL 2025 Performance So Far
Before this setback, Iyer had played all 11 of KKR’s previous matches this season. He batted in seven innings, scoring 142 runs with a highest score of 60. Despite his hefty price tag, Iyer managed just one fifty and averaged 20.29 with the bat.
KKR’s Playoff Scenario
With this match, KKR stood sixth on the IPL 2025 points table, holding 11 points from five wins, five losses, and one no-result. A win against CSK would boost their chances of making the playoffs, making Iyer’s absence even more significant.
CSK’s Situation
On the other side, CSK, led by MS Dhoni, were already out of playoff contention, having won just two of their 11 matches. The KKR vs CSK match was a dead rubber for the five-time champions but crucial for KKR’s campaign.
Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL 2025 Stats Before Injury
| Matches Played | Innings Batted | Runs Scored | Highest Score | 50s | Batting Average | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 7 | 142 | 60 | 1 | 20.29 | 23.75 crore |
Venkatesh Iyer’s absence from the KKR vs CSK match in IPL 2025 was a blow for Kolkata’s playoff ambitions. With Manish Pandey stepping in, all eyes are on how KKR adapts in the crucial final stretch of the season. Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates and team news.
Read more: Rohit Sharma Announces Test Retirement Ahead of England Series
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
He suffered an injury that required stitches on his hand, making him unavailable for selection.
Manish Pandey replaced Iyer for the match against CSK.
He played 11 matches, scored 142 runs, and hit one fifty, with a batting average of 20.29.
His absence is a setback, but KKR still have a chance to qualify if they win their remaining matches.
No, CSK were the first team eliminated from playoff contention this season.
