Reacting to KKR buying him for ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction after having released him ahead of the auction, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer said, "Getting ₹23.75 crore is secondary." He added, "A second chance to play for Kolkata Knight Riders is the most important thing. I am thankful to the team management for putting their trust in me."