Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Anil Kumble has reckoned that Venkatesh Iyer won’t be an automatic selection in the playing XI for IPL 2026. The former KKR star, who was the third most expensive buy in the IPL 2025 mega auction, was released by KKR after a sub-par season. RCB managed to secure the services of the star for just Rs 7 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. However, the MP all-rounder’s place in the playing XI is uncertain.
No Venkatesh Iyer in RCB’s XI for IPL 2026?
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble reckoned that Iyer will not fit into RCB’s playing XI in IPL 2026, noting that the defending champions wouldn’t want to create a doubt in a line-up that ended their IPL trophy doubt.
“Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong,” Kumble said.
Former India batting coach echoed sentiments similar to Kumble, noting that RcB wouldn’t want to disturb a settled team.
“Venkatesh Iyer had a lot of eyes on him since last season. He has been consistent and you can see his confidence. Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach, and Malolan Rangarajan, who scouts talent for RCB, have a good option in him. Will he be in the playing eleven right away? There is some doubt, as this is a settled team,” Bangar said.
KKR released the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, only to buy him back for a whooping Rs 23.75 crore. What followed was disaster. Iyer, who had been very consistent for the side until IPL 2024, registered his worst-ever season in 2025. He managed to score just 142 runs from 11 matches at a miserable average of 20.29.
“Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. I think KKR had a little extra money left in their purse after purchasing Cameron Green. They were probably betting some of it on Venkatesh Iyer because they had some money left, but in the end, we ended up acquiring Venkatesh and we are really happy with it,” RCB coach Andy Flower said.
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