Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer at the IPL 2026 auction, held on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi. The franchise signed him for ₹7 crore after he was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following the 2025 season.
Although Iyer endured a modest IPL last year, he showcased his potential in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 match for Madhya Pradesh against Punjab, blasting a 70 off 43 balls at a strike rate of 162.79. The 30-year-old adds valuable experience, having played 145 T20 matches.
Across the format, he has amassed 3,249 runs at an average of 34.56 and a strike rate of 139.08, including one century and 19 half-centuries. Here Are The 3 Reasons Venkatesh Iyer Is A Smart Buy For RCB:
#1 An Improved Option Over Devdutt Padikkal At No. 3
As a left-handed batter, Venkatesh Iyer represents a strong upgrade over Devdutt Padikkal at the No. 3 position. Padikkal enjoyed a decent season last year, scoring 247 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 150.60. However, his overall IPL strike rate at No. 3 stands at 138.79. In contrast, Venkatesh boasts an impressive career strike rate of 168.77.
Venkatesh is also better suited to counter and dominate spin bowling in the middle overs, giving him an edge in that role. Even if RCB opt to begin the season with Padikkal, Venkatesh provides a reliable backup who can seamlessly slot into the XI whenever required.
#2 Provides Greater Batting Order Flexibility
Venkatesh Iyer adds significant versatility to the batting line-up, with the ability to slot in anywhere from No. 1 to No. 6. He has previously opened the innings and batted at positions three, four, five, and six in the IPL, and is currently opening for Madhya Pradesh in the SMAT 2025–26.
This allows RCB to deploy him as a floater based on match situations and team requirements. Additionally, Padikkal and Krunal were the only left-handed batters in the XI last season. The inclusion of Venkatesh not only improves left-handed depth but also enhances overall flexibility in the batting order.
#3 Venkatesh Iyer Provides RCB The Flexibility To Include Another Overseas Batter
Venkatesh Iyer is a medium-pace bowling all-rounder. Although he hasn’t bowled much in the IPL, he has been bowling consistently for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic T20 league under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy. So far, he has bowled 19 overs, taking six wickets at an average of 26.16 with an economy of 8.26.
As RCB’s sixth bowler, he can bowl a few overs when needed, giving the team an extra bowling option and flexibility in combination. With Iyer bowling, they could even drop Romario Shepherd and include an additional overseas batter such as Jordon Cox or Jacob Bethell if required.
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