
Venkatesh Iyer has received a major vote of confidence in his leadership and all-round abilities immediately following the IPL 2026 mini-auction. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured his services for a significant ₹7 crore, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) appointed him captain for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, the country's premier domestic one-day tournament.
This appointment signals strong faith in Iyer, who replaces the successful Rajat Patidar in the role. The decision comes despite Iyer having an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign with his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, his previous track record, including being a key run-scorer for KKR in his career, and his recent domestic performances, including 211 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, have clearly impressed selectors.
For RCB, who fought off competition from Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants to acquire him, this new leadership role is a major positive. It ensures Iyer enters the IPL 2026 season with renewed confidence and match practice leading a high-profile domestic side. The all-rounder will now look to translate this momentum into a successful debut season for the IPL champions.

“The all-rounder has been appointed captain of the Madhya Pradesh side for 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, country’s premier domestic one-day tournament, which is set to begin on December 24.”
Highest career run scorers (batting specialists only: batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers) for Kolkata Knight Riders players
| Rank | Player | Team | most-runs-career |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5032 runs | |
#2 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3942 runs | |
#3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2291 runs | |
| #4 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 1099 runs | |
| #5 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 463 runs |
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The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion. Definitely, just knowing what I'm able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that. I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don't know, 50,000 - which felt like 100,000 - at the Chinnaswamy.
All-Rounder

While the BCCI has mandated centrally contracted players to feature in at least two matches, Virat Kohli has opted to play a third game as part of his preparation for the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Batter

He scored 131 off 101 against Andhra, hitting 3 sixes and 14 fours, and then 77 of 61 against Gujarat, an inning featuring 13 fours and a solitary six.
Batter

“The all-rounder has been appointed captain of the Madhya Pradesh side for 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, country’s premier domestic one-day tournament, which is set to begin on December 24.”