This Indian cricketer has now received a doctorate! You'll be surprised to know the name
Xtra Time Web Desk: Venkatesh Iyer, one of Kolkata Knight Riders’ key players, is proving to be an inspiring figure both on and off the field. The all-rounder recently revealed that he is pursuing a PhD in finance, aiming to add the prestigious "Dr." prefix before his name by the start of the next IPL season.
In an interview, Venkatesh shared his belief in the importance of education alongside sports. “I want cricketers to educate themselves beyond cricketing knowledge. Education stays with you forever. A cricketer has a shelf life, but education can carry you forward,” he said.
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A Balancing Act: Cricket and Career
Back in 2018, Venkatesh made a bold choice by turning down a lucrative job offer from Deloitte after completing his MBA in finance. He chose to stay in Indore to focus on his cricketing career with Madhya Pradesh. “It was tough to convince my orthodox family about prioritizing cricket, but they supported me. My parents wanted me to excel in the game,” he revealed.
The IPL 2025 mega auction saw Iyer hit the jackpot, fetching a record-breaking ₹23.75 crore from KKR after an intense bidding war with RCB. Despite the hefty paycheque, Venkatesh remains committed to balancing his cricketing career with academic aspirations.
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Education Enhancing Performance
Iyer believes that his academic pursuits give him a mental break from cricket, helping him manage pressure and make better on-field decisions. "Being educated helps me switch off from the game and reduces stress. It also sharpens my ability to make better decisions during critical situations," he added.
IPL Journey
In the IPL 2024 season, Venkatesh scored 370 runs at an impressive average of 46.25, solidifying his role in KKR's lineup. With teammates like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell retained for the next season, KKR’s future looks promising.
Venkatesh continues to inspire young cricketers by emphasizing the importance of education. As he puts it, “If a new player joins the Madhya Pradesh team, the first question I ask is, ‘Are you studying?’
