Venkatesh Iyer Opens Up About Test Aspirations: 'It's something...'

Recently appointed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer has opened up about his desire to play Test cricket for India. Venkatesh, who has played two One-day internationals (ODI) and nine T20 Internationals (T20I) since making his debut for India in 2021, has said that he hopes to add a Test cap to his resume soon.

Venkatesh was brought back by KKR at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction for INR 23.75 crore - the third highest price at the auction - underlying the faith the franchise have in him, after playing a huge part in the 2024 triumph.

"If I know I have the skill to do something and I do not push myself, that would be a big regret when I finish my career,” he said, speaking about his comeback aspirations in a chat with Rev Sportz. 

“Right now, I know I can contribute to India’s victories in Tests, T20s, and ODIs. If I do well at the domestic level, I know an India call-up is never far. But I am not thinking about that. I am thinking about what I will do when the opportunity comes.

"I am really grateful for where I am right now. I really want to play Test cricket for India. I really want to do that. And I am saying this because it is not unrealistic. It is something that is achievable. And it is not very far."

Venkatesh has scored over 700 runs across the last two seasons for KKR, but he recalled his worst season - in 2022 - where he managed just 182 runs in 12 innings - saying that he was distracted by a potential India call-up for the T20 World Cup.

"In 2022, there were talks about me being in the [T20] World Cup squad. Instead of focusing on my present matches, I started thinking about the World Cup. In the end, I missed out on both," the 30-year-old said.

"That experience was a turning point. It taught him the value of focusing on the present, a lesson reinforced when an injury sidelined him for six to eight months. "That phase taught me a lot about being grateful."

He acknowledges that the money associated with the IPL is not only life-changing but there is also pressure associated with it, which is good. "The middle-class guy in me was very happy with the money! I would not lie," he said. 

However, as the bidding war between KKR and RCB escalated, it brought a mix of emotions. One way to look at it is to feel happy that I’ve done something good in my career for teams to invest in me. Another way, which I think is the right one, is to realise that this comes with a lot of responsibility.

"If I say there is no pressure, I would be lying. Of course, there is pressure. And there has to be pressure. But once the match starts, none of it matters. Whether I am a ₹20 lakh player or a ₹20 crore player, my job remains the same."

Venkatesh, who has played for KKR since 2021, says it is a surreal experience to play at Eden Gardens. "I was not even playing in that match, but just sitting outside, I felt like I had achieved something—just by making it to Eden Gardens," he said. 

"To step onto the field at Eden and see thousands of fans cheering for you and your team—there’s no greater feeling for a cricketer. It feels like 70-80,000 people are behind you, supporting you with every action you take. That energy brings out the best in you."

KKR will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of the IPL 2025 season on March 22 (Saturday) at the Eden Gardens.