![RCB player demands Kohli's captaincy [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779100724283_RCBplayerdemandsKohli'scaptaincy.jpg?type=hq)
RCB player demands Kohli's captaincy [Source: AP]
In 2013, the IPL side RCB made a huge captaincy decision when they appointed youngster Virat Kohli as their permanent skipper. The expectations were high, and for the next nine years, Kohli led RCB, and also helped the side reach the 2016 finale.
He couldn’t win them a title, and in 2022, Kohli decided to step away from captaincy to play as a pure batter. As a captain, he might not have won an IPL trophy, and that will always stay in his elusive resume; however, there is no doubt that he developed many key players under his watchful eye, and became a fan favourite.
Throughout his nine-year reign as the RCB captain, Kohli has had many admirers, and one of them was Venkatesh Iyer, the current RCB batter.
Venkatesh Iyer wanted to play under Kohli's captaincy
RCB spent a hefty amount of money on acquiring the services of Venkatesh Iyer in the mini auction. The franchise spent a whopping 7 crores as the MP batter was drafted in their team for the ongoing season.
Despite limited opportunities to play in the IPL 2026, Venkatesh has become an integral squad member. Recently, the RCB all-rounder had a candid interview with Cricbuzz, and he was asked about the IPL captain he would have loved to play under, and the player gave a surprising answer.
Despite the other captains winning multiple IPL trophies (MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma), Venkatesh didn’t hesitate to answer Virat Kohli, as the captain he would have loved to play under in the IPL.
Moreover, he named Eoin Morgan as the best captain he has played under in the IPL (during KKR days).
Venkatesh Iyer's kind words for Virat Kohli after PBKS win
With Rajat Patidar injured, Venkatesh got a chance to play in the main XI for the IPL 2026 match vs the Punjab Kings, and it was his partnership alongside Virat Kohli that stole the show.
The duo played aggressively, and Kohli complemented Iyer to perfection as RCB clinched the playoffs spot. After the game, the Madhya Pradesh batter was in awe of Kohli, and he stated that he was lucky to play alongside the RCB legend.
"I was lucky that Virat Kohli was batting out there with me, he gave me few key pointers & gave me valuable advice during the batting - he kept helping me".
Also Read: Virat Kohli's Dressing Room Behaviour At RCB Laid Bare By Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer justifies price 7 crore prize tag with match-winning knock
Despite spending a hefty amount on him, RCB decided to bench Venkatesh as Devdutt Padikkal was preferred over him. The left-handed player patiently waited for his opportunity, and when it arrived, he grabbed it swiftly.
On a lovely batting conditions, Venkatesh forged a crucial partnership with Kohli, and he slammed 73* off 40 balls, with a strike rate of 182.
This was a crucial knock as Venkatesh’s quickfire innings propelled RCB to a score of 222, and it was enough to beat the Punjab Kings as RCB won the game by 23 runs, and qualified for the playoffs.
Also Read: Mushfiqur Rahim Breaks Record To Top Elite Bangladesh Century-Hitters List
