Defending champions and fan-favourite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were able to obtain the versatile Indian cricketer, Venkatesh Iyer, for a whopping sum of ₹7 crores at the IPL 2026 auction, which took place on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. This major move was a reflection of the franchise’s strong desire to improve its roster, and it turned out to be a crucial one for the defence of their title.
The deal was concluded after a fierce competition between RCB and Iyer’s former team, Kolkata Knight Riders, who were also involved in the bidding. Even though KKR was throwing a lot of money at the bidding, RCB was the one who could finally take the all-rounder.
Venkatesh Iyer Joins RCB After KKR Release, Takes 70.5% Pay Cut
Venkatesh Iyer, the cricketer from Madhya Pradesh, was bought at the IPL 2025 mega auction by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore with huge expectations. However, the all-rounder’s time with KKR was disappointing because he only scored 142 runs in seven innings with an average of 20.28 and a strike rate of 139.21.
His poor performance was mainly characterized by the fact that he managed to score only one half-century, which was far less than what was expected from him, considering the amount paid for him. The franchise then took the hard decision of releasing him, which was a major setback in what was supposed to be a career-defining move.
In the course of the IPL 2026 auction, which is still taking place in Abu Dhabi, Kolkata Knight Riders made a play to get back their ex-player. But the champion team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), managed to win the hard-fought competition and eventually got Iyer on board. The 30-year-old all-rounder took a whopping 70.5% pay reduction, his salary going down from ₹23.75 crore to ₹7 crore, which indicates the shift in his career situation.
It is worth mentioning that Iyer was the first player signed by RCB in the auction, thus showing the team’s faith in his capability to make a comeback. Moreover, the cut in pay has given a boost to his recent performance, as he has scored 141 runs in nine matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 at a nice strike rate of over 105.22.
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