Bengaluru: Venkatesh Iyer has admitted that warming the bench is not something he is accustomed to, but the all-rounder insists he is fully committed to team dynamics at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.
Having joined RCB after being part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign in 2024, Iyer has found opportunities limited in a settled and successful Bengaluru line-up. Despite featuring in just one match so far this season, the 31-year-old remains patient and focused on contributing whenever called upon.
‘Duty to adhere to team environment’
Speaking candidly about his situation, Iyer acknowledged the challenge of sitting out but emphasised the importance of putting the team first.
“Not used to sitting out, but this is a team environment and as someone who places the team above everything else, it’s my duty to adhere to the environment,” he said.
RCB, who are defending champions, have largely retained their winning combination, making it difficult for new entrants to break into the playing XI.
Role clarity from management
Iyer credited the RCB support staff for providing him with clarity regarding his role within the squad. He specifically mentioned head coach Andy Flower, director of cricket Mo Bobat, and mentor Dinesh Karthik for their transparent communication.
“They’ve been amazing when it comes to conversations about what my role in the team is. They’ve given me absolute clarity. Yes, it is hard, to be honest. It’s something that you can’t prepare for. But that does not mean I’m not part of their plans. It’s a matter of when rather than if,” he explained.
Auction price dip and motivation
RCB secured Iyer for ₹7 crore in the auction ahead of the 2025 season, significantly lower than the ₹23.75 crore he commanded during his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite the dip in valuation and reduced game time, Iyer insisted that his motivation remains intact.
“It’s not easy, but it’s extremely important to stay motivated. You can easily get desperate and lose your work ethic. I train my mind in such a way that I’m going to play every game,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of personal growth and life beyond cricket as sources of motivation.
No regrets over KKR exit
Iyer revealed that while he shares an emotional bond with KKR, he understands the team’s decision to release him.
“There was amazing communication between me and Abhishek Nair, who explained what the team required. You can get anything done out of me if it’s good for the team,” he noted.
Learning from senior players
The all-rounder is using his time off the field to sharpen his skills, particularly his batting, under the guidance of Dinesh Karthik.
“I’ve learnt how to be flexible with my batting, assess situations, and stay ahead of others while combining that with hard work,” he said.
Iyer also praised RCB captain Rajat Patidar for his simplicity and effectiveness.
“The biggest strength of Rajat is his simplicity — in thinking, in the way he carries himself, and in his batting. He hasn’t changed over the years,” Iyer added.
Focus on improving red-ball skills
Interestingly, Iyer is also utilising IPL net sessions to improve his red-ball bowling — an area he believes he has not fully explored.
He revealed that he has been seeking advice from experienced pacers like Josh Hazlewood and previously Mitchell Starc to refine his technique.
“One thing I feel I haven’t tapped into is my red-ball bowling. So I make it a point to interact with players who have played a lot of red-ball cricket,” he said.
Conclusion
Venkatesh Iyer’s candid reflections highlight the challenges of balancing individual ambitions with team priorities in a competitive IPL environment. While limited opportunities may test his patience, his commitment to staying prepared and improving his game underlines his professionalism.
As the tournament progresses, Iyer remains confident that his chance will come — and when it does, he intends to make the most of it.