Venkatesh Rajasekaran Iyer, born December 25, 1994 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, represents one of Indian cricket’s most fascinating career transitions. This left-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer was on track to become a Chartered Accountant before cricket called. Standing at 6’3″, Iyer’s journey from crunching numbers at Deloitte to crunching sixes in the Indian Premier League makes him one of the most compelling stories in modern cricket.
Early Life & Education: The Scholar-Athlete
Academic Excellence
Completed MBA in Finance while pursuing cricket
Worked as an audit assistant at Deloitte (2018)
Self-described “bright student” who balanced studies with cricket
Cricket Calling
Played club cricket in Indore while studying
Made conscious decision to pursue cricket full-time in 2018
Credited his corporate experience for disciplined approach to the game
Domestic Career: The Meteoric Rise
Breakthrough Seasons
2015: White-ball debut for Madhya Pradesh
2018: First-Class debut in Ranji Trophy
2020-21: Career-defining performances:
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 75.66 avg @ 150 SR
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Scored 198 (146 balls) vs Punjab
Domestic Stats Snapshot
Format
Matches
Runs
HS
Avg
Wickets
Best
First-Class
28
1,658
174
38.55
17
3/28
List A
53
1,568
198
39.20
27
3/55
T20s
128
2,965
104
36.15
49
6/20
IPL Journey: KKR’s Game-Changer
IPL Career Timeline
2021: Bought by KKR for ₹20 lakh (base price)
2021 Season: Scored 370 runs as opener, took 3 wickets
2022: Retained for ₹8 crore (40x salary hike)
2023: Became first KKR batter to score T20 century
2024: Key contributor in KKR’s title win (4 fifties @ 158 SR)
Memorable IPL Performances
2021: 67 vs MI (playoffs) – first player to carry bat through innings in IPL playoffs
2023: 104 (51 balls) vs MI – fastest KKR century
2024: Consistent finisher in championship season
IPL Career Summary
Season
Matches
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
Wickets
2021
10
370
67
41.11
128.47
3
2022
12
182
50*
16.54
107.69
0
2023
14
404
104
28.85
145.84
0
2024
14
370
70
46.25
158.79
0
International Career: India’s All-Round Prospect
Debut & Early Success
2021: T20I debut vs New Zealand
2022: ODI debut vs South Africa
Notable Performance: 35*(19) vs WI (2022), 2/23 vs SL (2022)
International Stats
Format
Matches
Runs
HS
Avg
Wickets
ODIs
2
24
22
12.00
0
T20Is
9
133
35*
33.25
5
Playing Style & Evolution
Batting Strengths
Power Hitter: 123 T20 sixes
Versatile: Opener/finisher roles
Strong Leg-Side Game: Effective against pace
Bowling Utility
Medium Pace with Variations
Handy in Middle Overs
Fielding
Safe Hands: 50 T20 catches
Athletic Presence: Covers ground well
Challenges & Comebacks
2022 Ankle Injury
Slipped in hotel stairs during domestic season
Missed 2022 T20 World Cup contention
Underwent extensive rehabilitation
Reinvention
2023: Focused solely on batting (Impact Player rule)
2024: Returned to full all-round duties
Future Prospects
Short-Term Goals
Return to Indian limited-overs squads
Become KKR’s premier all-rounder
Long-Term Vision
Test cricket debut
Establish as India’s first-choice pace all-rounder
Conclusion: The Complete Modern Cricketer
Venkatesh Iyer’s journey from corporate boardrooms to cricket grounds exemplifies determination. As he continues to evolve his game, his story serves as inspiration for aspiring cricketers with unconventional paths. With age on his side and multiple skills to offer, the best of Venkatesh Iyer may still be unfolding.
