Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer Shared his thoughts after joining his new franchise and playing a match-winning innings against Punjab Kings. The defending champions defeated PBKS by 23 runs in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the HPCA Stadium on May 17.
Venkatesh scored unbeaten 73 runs in 40 balls with the help of eight fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 182.50. The left-handed batsman was adjudged Player of the Match for his excellent innings. Speaking after the match, Venkatesh said that although he spent a long time with Kolkata Knight Riders and shares a strong emotional bond with the franchise, he already feels at home in the RCB camp.
“They have welcomed me very well. Obviously, it is a very professional setup and the cricket part of it, the management, it is absolutely incredible. All credit to Mo Bobat and DK, the way they have looked after the boys, it is absolutely incredible. Also, the brand of cricket that RCB plays excites me a lot. I have spent a lot of time at KKR, so yes, there will be an emotional bond, but I have felt really at home here,” Venkatesh. said during the post-match presentation.
He also admitted that he was disappointed by not getting enough opportunities and was eagerly waiting for his chance to play. Venkatesh said he was happy to finally get the opportunity and felt lucky to bat with veteran batsman Virat Kohli. The 31-year-old player represented Kolkata Knight Riders for several seasons before being bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL 2025 mini-auction.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed or didn't want to play. I really wanted to go out there and play because for players like us, this is an opportunity to play in the IPL. We want to play, we want to do well. But I understand, I have been here long enough to understand that this is a champion team and tinkering with the combination is not always right. But I always tried to make an impact on the coaching staff to get me to play and I Will do well. I am really happy that I got the chance,” said Venkatesh.
He said, “I think, yes, there were troubles in the beginning, but I was lucky that I got the chance to bat with Virat Kohli. Obviously there has been a change in the mentality that he is able to communicate with you. I think with all the greats of the game, one thing that stands out is communication, that is the key. If you are able to communicate well with your partner, because two people are scoring runs together for the team, that is the key.”
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