Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer wants to be a “leader” in any team he plays for.
At the Indian Express’ Idea Exchange, when asked if he would be KKR’s next captain, the 29-year-old replied: “I have always maintained that I want to be a leader in any set-up. Be it Madhya Pradesh, an IPL team, or even an Indian team. Be it
“As a leader, you want to contribute with your ideas, with your suggestions. You don’t really need the captain tag for that.
“That’s why I always want to be a leader in the dressing room. And if the captaincy comes my way, it would be an honor to lead such a prestigious franchise. Let’s see what’s in store for me.”
Venkatesh Iyer was bought for Rs 23.75 crore in the recent IPL player auction, making him the fourth most expensive player. The KKR all-rounder why wearing the India jersey is most important to him.
“When the Indian team came back to India after winning the (T20) World Cup, you saw the reception. Who wouldn’t love to be a part of that team! Who wouldn’t want to wear that blue jersey or the Indian Test jersey,” he said.
“There are things beyond money and skill. That’s what makes us love the game so much. And that’s called emotion…that’s passion. When we all started playing cricket, nobody had the concept of earning from cricket.
“What I understand is the representation of India, being shown on television, with millions cheering for me and my country to win.”
On the price tag, he said: “It’s common for people to talk about the price tag and money coming into the game and hindering the players’ vision. But I still think that doesn’t match the spirit of representing your country.
“That’s a feeling that money and fame can never replicate…not even a Rs 23 crore price tag. It sounds huge but I can assure you that there is no greater feeling than playing for India.
“There have been many moments in my life but the one I remember most is the cover drive I hit in India vs South Africa. There have been great moments… I got married, it was wonderful… but the moment I remember is when I was standing there and the national anthem was playing,” he added.