One of IPL 2025's most expensive players, bought for Rs 23.75 crore, is pursuing a PhD—and his reason will inspire you
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has caught attention for an unexpected reason. Despite being the third-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, fetching a massive Rs 23.75 crore, Iyer has chosen to focus on something that’s not related to cricket – his education.
Iyer, at 29, is currently pursuing a PhD in Finance after completing his MBA. This decision highlights his long-term vision, both for his career and life in general. Coming from a middle-class family in Madhya Pradesh, Iyer has always valued education. He told The Indian Express, "I come from an orthodox family, so it was tough to convince my parents I’d pursue only cricket. But I was big on academics too. Education will stay with you till you die; cricket won’t." Even with a lucrative IPL contract, Iyer remains focused on his studies. He finds that academics give him a mental break from the pressures of cricket. "Academics give me the perfect switch-off from the game. If I can do two things at the same time, I will," he said.
Iyer isn’t just focusing on his own education. He encourages younger players in the Madhya Pradesh cricket team to prioritize their studies too. "If a new guy joins the team, the first thing I ask is, ‘Are you studying?’ I want cricketers to educate themselves not just in cricket but also in general knowledge. It makes a difference in decision-making, both on and off the field," he shares.
For Iyer, pursuing a PhD is more than just a personal achievement; it’s about securing his future. "There will be a time when it’s not just about skill but about making the right decisions. Being educated helps with that," he says. Iyer's interest in finance stems from his desire to understand the business world, a skill he knows will come in handy when his cricketing career comes to an end. Joking about his future plans, Iyer adds, "You’ll be interviewing me as Dr. Venkatesh Iyer next time!"
Despite his impressive performance in the IPL, which made KKR bid heavily for him, Iyer remains grounded. He reflects the values of balance and long-term thinking instilled by his family. His decision to focus on education, even after securing a multi-crore deal, shows that his aspirations extend far beyond cricket.
