Former Team India leg-spinner Anil Kumble stated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are unlikely to include Venkatesh Iyer in their playing XI at the start of the next IPL season. The former India captain said that the defending champions want to stick with their title-winning side rather than make early changes.
Venkatesh Iyer was signed by the Bengaluru team for ₹7 crore at the mini auction. Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders spent ₹23.75 crore on him last season. After representing KKR since his IPL debut in 2021, this will be the first time Iyer will play for another franchise. He was part of their 2024 title-winning campaign.
Venkatesh Iyer Will Not Be in the Playing XI – Anil Kumble
Speaking on TATA IPL Auction Review as a JioStar expert, Anil Kumble said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will not bring Venkatesh Iyer straight into the playing XI, as they want to avoid unsettling a side that has already found success.
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“Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team,” Kumble said.
Kumble added that the same thinking shaped RCB’s auction decisions. He stated that the team signalled its faith in Suyash Sharma by not pushing hard for Ravi Bishnoi, ensuring younger players already in the squad feel backed.
“They did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner,” he added.
There Is Some Doubt – Sanjay Bangar on Venkatesh Iyer
Sanjay Bangar said that Venkatesh Iyer may not start in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playing XI. Bangar explained that while Iyer is seen as a strong long-term option by RCB’s coaches and scouts, his role at the start of the season remains unclear.
Bangar pointed out that Krunal Pandya performed well for the side last season and that Suyash Sharma also had a strong campaign.
“He has been consistent, and you can see his confidence. Will he be in the playing eleven right away? There is some doubt, as this is a settled team,” Bangar said.
“Krunal played well, so the lack of a top spinner was not felt. Suyash Sharma had a good season,” he added.
RCB Sign Venkatesh Iyer With No. 3 Role in Mind
Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Venkatesh Iyer with a clear role in mind at the top of the order, particularly the No. 3 position. Devdutt Padikkal played well during RCB’s title-winning 2025 campaign before suffering an injury, with Mayank Agarwal filling in for the rest of the season.
Iyer attracted interest at the auction after entering with a ₹2 crore base price, with multiple franchises joining the bidding before RCB secured him. He has scored 1,468 runs from 56 innings at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate of 137, with one century and 12 half-centuries.
RCB also signed left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav, England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox, young prospects Satvik Deswal, Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chauhan, and New Zealand quick Jacob Duffy.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer eyes New Zealand series return as BCCI monitors fitness at CoE Bengaluru
