Venkatesh Iyer at RCB: A all-round force who can turn games on their head

The name Venkatesh Iyer is one that has been synonymous with some thunderous striking of the cricket ball. Buffeting it repeatedly like those raging waves smash against a lost boat in its midst in the wake of a storm, Iyer likes to club the ball with all his might and fury.

Cricket wasn’t Iyer’s first full-time pursuit. He balanced the sport alongside a promising professional career before making a decisive call to leave his job and commit completely to the game. White-ball debuts for Madhya Pradesh arrived in 2015, with a Ranji cap following in 2018, but the bigger breakthrough came in 2020–21.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, fiery knocks of 87 and 88 put him on the radar. He finished the tournament averaging 75.66 at a strike rate of 150. He carried that surge into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing 198 off 146 against Punjab’s bowling attack that featured some mighty names.

On the back of that form, Kolkata Knight Riders picked him at his base price (₹20 lakh) in 2021. After a shaky first half of the season, Iyer’s entry in the second leg transformed KKR’s campaign - effectively the start of his IPL upward trajectory.

In 2023, while managing an ankle recovery, KKR used him as an Impact Sub, a season in which he struck the ball beautifully and logged a standout century. Importantly, he broke the “opener-only” mould and showed he could bat across positions - versatility that RCB can lean on. If a power start is required, he can go up top. If stability and acceleration are needed between overs 7–15, he can operate in the middle.

And with the ball, Iyer offers medium pace with variations that can trouble the best of batters. Add to that a showering of belief in his potential from RCB’s coaches, Iyer is certain to win matches on his own right when given the opportunity.

Welcome to RCB, Venkatesh Iyer. A power-hitter who bowls, comfortable anywhere from the top to the middle, and battle-hardened by domestic and IPL moments.We can’t wait to see you Play Bold.