March 19, 2025: As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer is thrilled about playing under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane. With Shreyas Iyer moving to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rahane is set to take over the captaincy, and Venkatesh is already seeing the positive impact of his leadership style.
“So far, he has been an amazing leader of the group,” Venkatesh said. “He has taken the initiative to make conversations with all of us and try to gel with the team. We are talking about someone who has led India across formats and captained IPL teams before. He has a great head on his shoulders, remains composed under pressure, and has been a stalwart of the game. He has scored runs everywhere. For me, it’s going to be a great learning experience, and I am quite excited to play under him.”
Venkatesh, who has been part of KKR for several years, is stepping into the vice-captain role this season. When asked about his preparation for the added responsibility, he emphasized that leadership is a mindset. “There is no specific preparation for it,” Venkatesh said. “I have always carried myself as a leader, so it’s not entirely new to me. I have put in the hard yards in both batting and bowling. More than anything, it’s about mindset—if you have accepted the role and are willing to take on the responsibility, half the job is already done. Our preparation has been good, and we have a strong group of players. I’m really excited and looking forward to the season.”
Although Venkatesh has stepped into a more prominent leadership role, he revealed that he hasn’t had specific conversations with former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer or mentor Gautam Gambhir about guiding the team. “I haven’t spoken to them directly about it,” he said. “Last season, when I was with the team, they were around, but I have always believed that I can contribute as a leader beyond just batting and bowling. The management has trusted me with the role, and I hope to do justice to it.”
Skincare and Supplements: Venkatesh’s New Venture
In addition to his cricketing duties, Venkatesh has launched his own skincare and supplement brand, Rushr. The conversation naturally shifted to grooming habits within the KKR squad, and Venkatesh was quick to note that all the players take good care of their skin. “Everyone here really takes care of their skin. I wouldn’t want to single out someone who needs to work on it more. Everyone has their own skincare routine,” he shared.
As for the best hair and beard in the team, Venkatesh had a lighthearted take. “The best hairdo has to be Sunil Narine—quirky yet stylish. As for the best beard, I’d say Varun Chakravarthy.” When asked if there was a teammate whose skincare routine he’d like to steal, he named “Ramandeep Singh.”
Talking about his entrepreneurial journey with Rushr, Venkatesh explained the motivation behind starting a brand focused on skincare and supplements. “I realized there was a gap when it came to skincare and supplements,” he said. “Speaking to my colleagues, I understood the need to cater to athletes and individuals who prioritize fitness and confidence. That’s how Rushr was born—out of hustle, hard work, and the desire to support those pushing their bodies to the limit.”
Venkatesh emphasized that maintaining focus is crucial for high-performance individuals, not just cricketers. “The most important thing is focus. If external factors like fatigue or a bad skincare routine affect you, your attention shifts away from the game. That’s why it’s essential to address these aspects too.”
Rushr’s Latest Innovation: Instant Charger
Among Rushr’s latest innovations is the Instant Charger, a supplement designed to restore energy quickly. “In today’s fast-moving world, people don’t always have the time or patience to sit and properly recharge their bodies,” Venkatesh explained. “We introduced Instant Charger as a solution—just take it, and your energy mode is on. It helps you stay focused on your work without distractions.”
As the IPL season approaches, Venkatesh Iyer is eager to contribute to KKR’s campaign. Under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, he believes the team is in good hands, and he is ready to make his mark both on and off the field. With his new vice-captain role and entrepreneurial venture, Venkatesh is gearing up for a season to remember.