![How will RCB use Venkatesh Iyer? [Source: @RCBTweets/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1765989333733_Venkatesh_Iyer_RCB_IPL_2026.jpg?type=hq)
How will RCB use Venkatesh Iyer? [Source: @RCBTweets/X.com]
After 18 years of struggle, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found a balanced team that won them their maiden IPL title in 2025. Without a doubt, RCB decided to retain the core for the IPL 2026 season as well.
At the IPL 2026 auction, however, RCB managed to fulfil their unfinished business of buying Venkatesh Iyer.
They chased him hard in the previous mega auction, only to be edged out by KKR after a dramatic bidding war that went to ₹23.75 crore.
Nevertheless, for IPL 226, RCB finally got their man calmly, smartly, and at a far more reasonable price of ₹7 crores.
The signing, however, brings with it an intriguing question. With RCB entering the season as defending champions and a largely settled playing XI, how exactly does Venkatesh Iyer fit in?
Option 1: Replacing Devdutt Padikkal at no. 3
| Criterion | At no. 3 | As opener |
| Innings | 15 | 22 |
| Runs | 562 | 556 |
| Average | 43.23 | 27.80 |
| Strike Rate | 168.77 | 122.20 |
| 100/50 | 1/5 | 0/5 |
| Highest score | 104 | 67 |
(Table: Venkatesh Iyer's IPL stats at different batting positions)
The first and most obvious choice is to let Venkatesh Iyer play ahead of Devdutt Padikkal at no. 3.
Iyer has built his IPL reputation batting in the top order, particularly at no. 3, where he has thrived against pace and spin alike.
Unlike Padikkal, Iyer also offers seam bowling, giving the team an extra option when conditions demand flexibility.
This all-round talent may help RCB adjust their XI more efficiently, especially when playing on slower wickets, where an extra bowler is invaluable.
Option 2: Play Venkatesh Iyer as an impact player
RCB also has the option of using Venkatesh Iyer purely as a batting impact player. This would enable them to retain their title-winning bowling attack while also providing their batting lineup with much-needed muscle whenever they want.
In games where chasing big totals or batting first on flat pitches becomes the priority, Iyer’s presence as an Impact Player may sway the outcome.
His comfort against spin and ability to accelerate without reckless risk make him well-suited for this role, especially in pressure chases.
Option 3: Backup role - The least sensible route
The thought of having Venkatesh Iyer as a back-up option seems like wasting talent. At his best, he is not someone meant to be on the bench but has the ability to win matches on their own.
Using him only as injury cover would undermine both his confidence and the logic behind acquiring him in the first place.
RCB didn’t buy Iyer to sit and watch. They brought him to solve problems before they appear, not after.
Until last year, RCB were ready to pay over ₹23 crores to the all-rounder. That shows desperation and maybe sheer commitment. So now that they finally have Venkatesh Iyer in their fold, keeping him on the bench makes no sense.
The bigger picture
RCB’s calm auction showed maturity, and the Venkatesh Iyer signing is a strategic foresight rather than an impulse.
His versatility gives them multiple pathways without disrupting the team’s core identity. Whether as a top-order upgrade or a tactical impact player, Venkatesh Iyer boosts an already balanced side.
The challenge now lies not in selection but in clarity. If RCB get its role right early, Iyer could be the missing piece that helps them move from one-time champions to a sustained force in the IPL.
