![Venkatesh Iyer celebration goes viral [Source: AFP, X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779019848189_VenkateshIyercelebrationgoesviral(1).jpg?type=hq)
Venkatesh Iyer celebration goes viral [Source: AFP, X]
RCB suffered a massive jolt ahead of the IPL 2026 game against PBKS when it was revealed that their captain, Rajat Patidar, would miss the clash due to a concussion he sustained in the last game. With Patidar ruled out, RCB needed a solid replacement in the playing XI, and Venkatesh Iyer was drafted in.
Iyer has mostly been used as an impact player in the IPL 2026, and the game against the Punjab Kings was a golden opportunity for the left-handed batter to make his mark and stamp his authority.
He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and alongside Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer helped RCB register a mammoth 222/4 on the board.
Venkatesh Iyer punishes PBKS, brings out Thalapathy Vijay's iconic celebration
After an early loss of Jacob Bethell, the reliable RCB pair of Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal resurrected the innings as the duo played aggressively, and added 76 runs for the second wicket to lay a strong foundation for the batters.
When Padikkal departed, Venkatesh was sent in at number 4, and the left-handed batter took the mantle forward with his aggressive stroke-play. In the partnership alongside Kohli, the Madhya Pradesh batter was the one who took charge, and punished the Punjab Kings bowlers.
He smashed a quickfire fifty (just 29 balls) and brought out the iconic Thalapathy Vijay's mersal celebration. The "Mersal" celebration refers to the massive cultural phenomenon where Thalapathy Vijay fans celebrate his iconic on-screen mannerisms.
In this celebration, Thalapathy Vijay crosses his arms over his chest, and the celebration has become a sensation in Tamil Nadu, and Telugu-speaking states.
The southpaw slammed a brilliant 73* off 40 balls and announced his IPL 2026 arrival with a stunning knock.
Venkatesh proves his worth vs PBKS
The Madhya Pradesh batter had a horrendous IPL 2025 for the KKR side, and the franchise released him before the ongoing season. RCB showed trust in his abilities, and the defending champions acquired him for a whopping 7 crores.
Interestingly, despite spending such a big amount on him, Venkatesh was warming the bench for the majority of the season as Padikkal was bossing it at number 3. However, an injury to Patidar opened the doors for his comeback, and he didn’t disappoint.
On a slightly two-paced surface, the batter justified his price tag by potentially playing a match-winning knock for RCB.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Spawns Fight Between 2 PBKS Players
Will Venkatesh Iyer retain his place despite fifty vs PBKS?
Playing for any other IPL side, Venkatesh would have been a guaranteed starter, but the RCB batting lineup is stacked. If Rajat Patidar misses the next game as well, the left-hander will surely occupy the number 4 spot.
However, the problem for him arises if Patidar is fit. The captain will straightaway slot in at number 4, and then, the only way Venkatesh can play is if Phil Salt is fit.
In such a scenario, Salt can replace Jacob Bethell, and can be the keeper of the side. Jitesh Sharma, the regular team keeper, has failed badly in the ongoing campaign, and he could be dropped from the side. Thus, Venkatesh can play in place of Jitesh, with Salt keeping the wickets.
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