In only his fourth appearance of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru allrounder Venkatesh Iyer announced his arrival with a composed, unbeaten knock of 73 off 40 balls against Punjab Kings. The innings helped RCB post 222 for 4 on a slow Dharamsala surface, and Iyer was named Player of the Match for powering them across the line in a 23-run win that also pushed the franchise into the playoffs. After the game, he said he felt “the freedom to go after the bowling”, a mindset that proved crucial as the chase struggled to gather momentum.
Iyer, who clarified that the match was effectively his “second [third] game” depending on how the season’s appearances are counted, also reflected on his limited batting opportunities earlier in the campaign. Across his previous three outings, he had come in to bat only twice—making 29 not out off 15 balls against Rajasthan Royals and scoring 12 off 15 against Gujarat Titans. “This is the first time I… got to bat [for a long innings],” he said. “Yeah, so that’s the more pleasing thing than getting a Man-of-the-Match [award]. And also, two points.”
Against PBKS, Iyer arrived at No. 4, the highest position he has batted in this season, and still had more than ten overs left in the innings when he began. His spell included eight fours and four sixes, with a clear acceleration in the death overs that turned a workable total into something far more threatening for the opposition.
Speaking candidly about his emotions before getting the chance to play the kind of innings he wanted, Iyer admitted there were frustrations earlier in the season. “Yeah, I’d lie if I say that I was not frustrated, or you know, not wanting to play [for RCB this season],” he said. “I was really wanting to go out there and play, because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL [that counts]. We want to play, we want to do well.” He added that he understands the logic behind tinkering with team combinations in a campaign that demands consistent balance. “But I do understand. I’ve been here for long [enough] to understand that this is a champion team, and to tinker with a combination is not always right. But I always [asked] the coaching staff to make me play, and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity.”
Those earlier chances have been harder to secure in recent IPL seasons due to the Impact Player rule, which can make it difficult to accommodate Iyer’s all-round skill set while keeping the rest of the XI streamlined. In the four matches he has played so far, he has been used as a specialist batter and has not bowled his medium pace.
One of the standout features of the innings was Iyer’s partnership with Virat Kohli. The two put on 60 runs in 35 balls for the third wicket, helping RCB build momentum at a time when the pitch offered little margin. “I think [my innings] was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli,” Iyer said. “So obviously the mindset… the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you: I think [with] all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication. That’s the key, right? If you’re able to communicate well to your partner because it’s two people out there who are scoring runs together for the team. So that was the key.”
He also explained how the early overs helped him settle. “I’ve played after a long time in this season. I actually needed those first few balls, just to get into the groove. And once I understood the wicket, I had the freedom to go after the bowling, and I think it was good for me.”
With the playoffs now secured, RCB will turn their attention to their final group-stage fixture, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on May 22.
