Mini-auctions in the Indian Premier League rarely trigger major overhauls, with teams typically relying on the principles of supply versus demand and performance versus price. This season, too, most big-ticket players appear secure ahead of Retention Day. Among the costliest names from last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, only Venkatesh Iyer currently fits the release profile, with Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly preparing to part ways with him.

Iyer, bought for ₹23.75 crore, delivered just 142 runs in 11 matches, a return far below expectations. While KKR have valued him across previous seasons, his output did not justify the investment. There remains a chance the franchise will attempt to buy him back at a lower price, but for now he joins Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje among those l

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