As the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer expresses his enthusiasm for playing under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane. With Shreyas Iyer transitioning to the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rahane has stepped into the captaincy role, and Venkatesh notes that his impact on the team is already significant.

“He has been an outstanding leader so far. He proactively engages with each of us to foster team cohesion. We’re talking about someone who has captained India across formats and has IPL experience. With his calm demeanor under pressure and extensive record of runs, I see this as a fantastic opportunity for learning. I’m really looking forward to playing under his guidance,” Iyer shared with ANI.

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Having been a part of KKR for several years, Venkatesh is now stepping into the vice-captaincy. When asked about how he’s preparing for this new responsibility, he stated, “There’s no specific preparation for it. I’ve always seen myself as a leader, so this feels like a natural progression. I’ve dedicated a lot of effort to both my batting and bowling. The key is mindset—once you accept the role and are ready to shoulder the responsibilities, you’ve done half the work. Our preparation has been solid, and we have a talented group of players. I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming season.”
Despite his new leadership position, Venkatesh mentioned that he hasn’t had detailed discussions with former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer or mentor Gautam Gambhir on leading the team.

“I haven’t had direct conversations about this with them. Last season, I was part of the team while they were present, but I firmly believe I can contribute as a leader beyond my batting and bowling. The management has entrusted me with this role, and I aim to fulfill that trust,” Iyer remarked.

As Venkatesh is launching his skincare and supplement brand, Rushr, the discussion naturally turned to grooming routines within the KKR team.
When asked who might need skincare the most, he replied, “Everyone on the team takes care of their skin. I wouldn’t want to point out anyone specifically.”
Regarding the player with the best hair and beard, he stated, “Sunil Narine definitely has the most stylish hair, while Varun Chakravarthy rocks the best beard.”
If he could borrow a teammate’s skincare routine, he chose Ramandeep Singh.

On the topic of his venture, Rushr, Venkatesh shared the inspiration behind creating a brand centered on skincare and supplements.
“I noticed a significant gap in skincare and supplements. Conversations with my teammates highlighted the need to cater specifically to athletes and those who value fitness and confidence. This is how Rushr came to life—born from hustle, hard work, and the desire to support those who push their physical limits,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of maintaining focus for anyone in high-performance roles, not just cricketers.
“The key is focus. If external distractions like fatigue or inadequate skincare take your mind off the game, that could hinder your performance. Addressing these concerns is essential,” he emphasized.

When asked to summarize his entrepreneurial journey in three words, he chose “Self-confidence, persistence, and passion.”
Among Rushr’s recent innovations is Instant Charger, a supplement designed to replenish energy quickly.

“In today’s fast-paced world, people might not always have the time to properly recharge. We created Instant Charger as a quick solution—just take it, and you’re energized. It helps you maintain focus without distractions,” he said.
With the IPL season looming, Venkatesh Iyer is eager to embrace his role as vice-captain and make valuable contributions to KKR’s campaign. Under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, he feels optimistic about the team’s prospects and is keen to make his impact both on and off the field.