![Virat Kohli's special praise for Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774513717522_ViratKohli'sspecialpraiseforVenkateshIyer.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli's special praise for Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]
RCB will feel the heat in the upcoming IPL 2026 as they enter the tournament with the tag of “defending champions.” Last season, they had invested in quality players and had assembled a strong core. Hence, after winning the IPL, the team hardly made any changes in the mini auction and made minor changes in the team.
A couple of days ago, the entire RCB squad assembled in Bengaluru as preparations began for the IPL 2026. The defending champions have already played two intra-squad practice matches, with numerous players impressing the management.
Kohli compares RCB mate to South Africa's legendary pacer
The team has been sweating hard before the season, and there is one player who has managed to impress, not only the management but also RCB’s greatest-ever player, Virat Kohli.
In the mini auction, eyebrows were raised when RCB spent 7 crores to buy KKR batter, Venkatesh Iyer. The team relentlessly pursued him and got its hands on the Madhya Pradesh player. Ahead of IPL 2026, Venkatesh is not only focusing on his batting, but is also honing his skills as a medium-pacer.
In a video released by RCB on their social media handles, Venkatesh could be seen bowling at full throttle, as he dismantled the stumps and got Kohli’s approval.
The right-arm medium pacer shattered the stumps, as Kohli was impressed by his skill set, and immediately compared him with the South African legend, Allan Donald, who was known for his stump-shattering deliveries.
"Venkatesh, tu to Allan Donald bana hua hai."
This was a cheeky response from Kohli, as he jokingly took a dig at Venkatesh Iyer by hailing him with the legendary pacer.
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How Venkatesh Iyer's bowling could help RCB in IPL 2026
The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder doesn’t bowl much in the IPL, but has been used wisely by his domestic team. For MP, he regularly bowls across formats, and the medium pacer has decent stats in T20s.
He has 55 wickets in T20s, but most importantly, the all-rounder gives away runs at just 7.76, which showcases that Venkatesh Iyer has immense control over his lines and lengths, and that could eventually help RCB.
With Josh Hazlewood out for the start of the IPL, RCB are short of a bowler, and perhaps, Venkatesh could be used as a medium pacer in the middle-overs, where he can take wickets. RCB spent 7 crores on him, and one main reason was to develop him as a bowler against the opposition.
Where will RCB use Venkatesh Iyer in playing XI
Last season, KKR underutilised Venkatesh Iyer as he was made to bat down the order. This hampered his season as the left-handed batter failed to deliver the goods. RCB went hard to acquire him, and there is a reason for it.
The team has almost all the positions sorted, barring one- the number 3 spot. Karnataka batter, Devdutt Padikkal did well for RCB last season, but the franchise could be tempted to play the former KKR batter at that same designation.
Over the years, the southpaw has done well at 3, and this is where he thrives with the bat. In case the team wants to alter the combination, RCB can also play him at number 5. Hence, the franchise can use him in multiple positions.
Also Read: PSL 2026 Schedule, Live Streaming, Live Telecast In India, Squads, Start Date, Teams
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