On a balmy evening in Chennai last May, a spectacular show by the bowlers had pushed the Kolkata Knight Riders to the cusp of their third Indian Premier League title. The target was modest; and victory, imminent. However, it does not take time for the fortune to flip in this format, and Kolkata needed someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Enter Venkatesh Iyer, who responded with an unbeaten 52 to win this game, and consequently his first IPL title. Four years ago, when Kolkata gave him a major breakthrough, soon after his prolific run-scoring season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, uncertainty loomed large over his ability to replicate his domestic form at the world's most competitive league. Iyer, however, erased the doubts in his first year itself, soaring high in conditions that grounded some of the most glorious batters. In the ensuing years, he became one of the most instrumental players in the squad, and with his match-winning half-century in the IPL final, he scripted his name in the club's folklore. Months later, Kolkata splurged INR 23.75 crore in the mega-auction to acquire his service. While the astronomical amount is a story in itself, what excites Venkatesh more is the chance to continue his career at a club where he feels he truly belongs. 

"Naturally, I feel great that I got picked up at such a high price," says Iyer over a Zoom call. "But I am even more thrilled about the fact that I will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. They were always my preferred choice. I share a deep emotional connection with the KKR, which makes me feel that cricket is not merely a contest of skill. There's a huge emotional investment too," he adds. 

A hefty paycheck inevitably comes with a bigger responsibility. But Iyer is not brooding over vindicating his worth. He will be approaching the event with ease, and a singular focus: score runs and take wickets, two things he can control. Iyer's approach to the sport as a whole also mirrors his batting style, which might not exude elan and grace, which might not strike a sense of terror, but it gets the job done, more often than not. It's all about understanding the situation and reacting to it. Be it as an opening batter or as a middle-order hitter, Iyer has proved his versatility across batting positions and conditions. It only adds to his utility that he is always ready to free up his arms for bowling when the situation demands. "Flexibility and adaptability are two vital ingredients of T20I batting. While there will be moments to take initiative from the very first ball, there are also times when a player must be patient, act as an anchor, and guide the team through to the end," adds Iyer, who is also in contention to lead Kolkata Knight Riders this season. 

After the franchise let Shreyas Iyer go last year, a void opened for the captaincy position, which they are yet to announce. There's a compelling case for the other Iyer to take over the reign. He was the deputy for Shreyas for a better part of the last season after Nitish Rana got injured. He also plays a pivotal role in the leadership core of his domestic side, Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, Iyer's alignment and awareness with the idea of Kolkata Knight Riders coach Chandrakant Pandit, with whom he also collaborates for Madhya Pradesh, positions him as a strategic fit for the franchise. 

Iyer, however, is not paying much heed to the clamour, and strongly feels that "a leader does not need a tag of captain". Though he will be happy to take up this responsibility, rather than getting bogged down by it. "It would be a pleasure to lead Kolkata if the opportunity presents itself. I would gladly accept it. However, it doesn't really matter who the captain is; when I am playing, it's essential to lead regardless. After playing for four seasons, there are certain expectations placed on me beyond just batting and bowling. I have always wanted to be in a position where I can contribute with my suggestions and ideas on the field," he adds. 

In just four seasons with Kolkata, Iyer has notched four successive half-centuries in knockout games. Before his match-winning knock in Chennai last year, Iyer also played a crucial role in Qualifier 1, where he scored a quickfire 51 to seal Kolkata's berth in the final. In the 2021 final against Chennai Super Kings, Iyer gave his team a great start, with a 32-ball half-century, but the rest of the batting order collapsed. These are the innings that affirm Iyer's ability to stay unfazed in what is usually considered as high-stakes matches. The left-handed batter, however, does not approach these knockout games any differently from the league games. He says, "Every game holds significance, whether in a league or a knockout scenario. As we edge closer to victory and the tournament's end, the stakes heighten. It's not merely about the pressure; it also tests our fitness levels and our ability to manage fatigue". 

In December last year, Iyer turned 30. He is a late bloomer by his own admission, getting his first IPL contract after years of grind in the domestic circuit, which at one point, seemed leading nowhere. Yet, he carried an unwavering self-belief and rejected a high-paying job offer from Deloitte after an MBA to continue his cricketing career. When the opportunity to play in the premier T20 league finally knocked on his door, he did not just answer it, but kicked it wide open, as if he was forever waiting for it. His success arc was as climactic as it can get: he gets selected by Kolkata, leaves an indelible mark in his first season itself, soon earns an opportunity to represent India, and is now counted among the most versatile all-rounders. Such a meteoric rise and all-encompassing attention might unmoor many talents from their original calling, but not Iyer, who still carries the same resolve and hunger. "When I see people around me doing so much and so better, it keeps me anchored towards my goal, of keep improving every day in terms of fitness, skill, and academics as well. And when you keep chasing something constantly, you don't really have time for distractions," says Iyer.  

As you listen to Iyer articulate his thoughts, it's difficult not to ponder about the source of the remarkable clarity that emanates from his words. After all, athletes are so deeply wired in the pursuit of perfection all their lives, that they often lose sight of deeper enquires. Iyer, however, understands that what he does beyond the confines of the field is just as important. Or else, why would he be pursuing his PhD? It's the quest to be competent and the curiosity to have a diverse skill set that drives Iyer to continue his academic endeavour, despite having a successful and booming cricket career. "Coming from an orthodox family, I have always aimed to excel academically. I think it's important to have diverse skill sets. And sometimes when things are not going my way, it's natural to zone out from the game. In those moments, engaging in productive activities can significantly benefit in the long run," quips Iyer.