Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has given his views on this Venkatesh Iyer's Standings for the 2026 season.
Venkatesh was signed by defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 7 crore in the 2025 auction, after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders, who signed him for Rs 23.75 crore in 2024.
Kumble believes that Iyer may not be a part of the RCB playing XL at the start of the season as the franchise may start the season with the team that won last year, preferring Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal.
“I don't think Venkatesh Iyer will be a part of the playing XI initially. You would want the same starting XI that helped you lift the trophy after 18 years. Devdutt Padikkal should play in the eleven. He has missed the last few important games due to injury, but he has been in great form with the bat,” he told GeoHotStar.
Speaking on Iyer's potential role, he believed that the all-rounder can be used as an impact player, and his presence as an experienced batsman will help the team, along with the fact that he is a left-handed batsman.
“He will be the impact player when RCB bowl first. Suyyash Sharma will be the impact player when RCB bat first. That's how they structured their line-up last season. Unless they consider going with an extra batsman who can bowl at the beginning of the season, it depends on how everyone is performing in the nets and practice matches. Otherwise, I don't see Iyer in the starting line-up. But that team He is a wonderful person to have whenever you need an experienced batsman,'' Kumble said.
RCB will begin their title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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