Venkatesh Iyer Finds New Home with Defending Champions RCB for ₹7 Crore
Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer secured a fresh start with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after being acquired for ₹7 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The move marks a significant change of scenery for Iyer, who had spent his entire IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and was bought back by them for a massive ₹23.75 crore in the previous mega-auction.
Despite the substantial drop in price, the acquisition is a strategic win for RCB, who were keen to add reliability and flexibility to their middle order. Iyer, capable of batting anywhere from opener to finisher, brings an aggressive strike rate and handy medium pace bowling to the squad. After a challenging IPL 2025 season, this opportunity with the defending champions provides Iyer with the perfect platform to revive his form and re-establish himself as a premier Indian all-rounder.
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“RCB's strategy was clearly focused on injecting reliability and flexibility into their middle order, as Iyer is capable of batting anywhere from opener to finisher.”
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Related Statistics
Best Strike Rate at MA Chidambaram Stadium
Batting specialists with highest strike rates at MA Chidambaram Stadium (minimum 3 matches, batters/all-rounders/wicketkeepers only)
| Select | Rank | Player | Team | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 206.25 | ||
#2 | Lucknow Super Giants | 194.12 | ||
#3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 175.00 | ||
| #4 | Punjab Kings | 170.00 | ||
| #5 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 168.42 |
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“RCB's strategy was clearly focused on injecting reliability and flexibility into their middle order, as Iyer is capable of batting anywhere from opener to finisher.”
Unnamed analysis from source
- Player
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Specialization
- All-Rounder
- Analyze
- Analyze Performance