Venkatesh Iyer expressed his desire to continue with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2026 season despite being released.

During the mega auction in Jeddah last year, KKR had retained his services for a staggering INR 23.75 crore, but decided to let him go ahead of the upcoming season.

Besides Venkatesh, KKR’s list of released players included Andre Russell (Rs 12 crore), Quinton de Kock (Rs 3.6 crore), Moeen Ali (Rs 2 crore), Anrich Nortje (Rs 6.5 crore), Spencer Johnson (Rs 2.8 crore), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Rs 2 crore).

Speaking to CricTracker, Venkatesh Iyer thanked the KKR management for their faith in him over the years and hoped to continue playing for the franchise in future IPL editions.

“For players like us, it's the opportunity to play in the IPL. It doesn't matter which team I play for. I will put my best foot forward. If I have to ask my heart, I would still want to play for KKR. I won one championship with KKR. I want to continue the legacy. I want to bring more glory to KKR. Because they have shown so much faith in me,” Venkatesh said.

If not the Knight Riders, the 30-year-old remained open to representing any of the nine teams in the league.

“If not KKR, then anywhere else. Everyone knows that wherever I go, I will look to give my best. Not just in terms of my batting or bowling, but also, I can contribute in terms of leadership and suggestions to the captain,” Iyer added.

Venkatesh Iyer has featured in 62 IPL matches, amassing 1,468 runs at an average of 29.96 and a strike rate of 137.32, including 12 fifties and one century. With the ball, he has picked up three wickets, conceding 143 runs at a bowling average of 47.67 and an economy rate of 10.59 per over.