Venkatesh Iyer smashed an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls in a pressure game against Punjab Kings, powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the IPL 2026 playoffs with a commanding victory.
Venkatesh has scored 1,468 runs in the IPL, playing for KKR, with his best season being 2023 with 404 runs. His dip in form in 2025 (142 runs) saw him being released by the franchise before the IPL 2026 auction.
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has backed Venkatesh Iyer to continue opening alongside Virat Kohli for Indian Premier League 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. He said it would be difficult for Phil Salt to return from injury and perform immediately in such an important match.
Venkatesh Iyer discusses his role within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, his motivation despite limited playing time, and his experiences with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He also praises Dinesh Karthik and Rajat Patidar.
Defending champions RCB bolstered their squad by securing Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav, among others during the auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth advises Royal Challengers Bengaluru to exclude Romario Shepherd from their playing XI for the IPL final against Gujarat Titans, citing concerns over his expensive bowling.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan downplayed the heated on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya revealed his mindset behind bowling a bouncer out of the blue to Kolkata Knight Riders record-signing Venkatesh Iyer during the opening match of Indian Premier League 2025, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Saturday.
Venkatesh Iyer's explosive innings of 73 not out off 40 balls propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a formidable 222 for four against Punjab Kings in their IPL match. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal also made significant contributions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori said the team will continue to monitor its under-tested middle-order ahead of the IPL playoffs even as he credited the side's explosive top-order and disciplined bowling attack for their impressive campaign this season.
A round-up of Monday's action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament.
The couple's wedding photos have taken social media by storm
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their IPL crown in style, beating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win back-to-back titles in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru put on a complete performance to beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets and defend their Indian Premier League title on Sunday.
Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill attributed their IPL final loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru to early wickets that prevented them from gaining momentum.
When Iyer managed just 9 runs across his first two games in IPL 2025-and didn't even get to bat in the second-questions began to surface. Was he worth the money?
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that his team's IPL match was lost in the powerplay after an explosive start by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and early setbacks in their chase of 223. RCB secured a 23-run victory, sealing their playoffs berth.
Pat Cummins praised fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain after Sunrisers Hyderabad's win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.
In a fascinating battle of ideologies, the well-balanced and bold Royal Challengers Bengaluru will have to subdue a phlegmatic Gujarat Titans to lift their second consecutive IPL title.
A heated on-field moment between Travis Head and Virat Kohli during the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has spilled off the field with Head's wife Jessica speaking out about a fresh wave of online abuse targeting her family.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs, but RCB secured the top spot in the IPL standings due to their net run rate. SRH posted a formidable 255/4, while RCB reached their target of 166 to ensure a top-two finish.
Venkatesh Iyer has smashed his way to the top of the IPL 2023 run scoring charts with 234 runs from five matches, at a strike rate of 170.
Rajat Patidar blasted an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, before the bowlers ripped through Gujarat Titans' batting as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won Qualifier 1 to reach their second consecutive IPL final.
The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder was bought by KKR for a massive bid of Rs 23.75 crore.
Bought back by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday, Venkatesh Iyer said he would be "more than happy" to take on the captaincy challenge and step into Shreyas Iyer's shoes.
India and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer on Friday joined Lancashire for a short stint
Rajat Patidar's aggressive innings helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach a total of 201 for 8 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL match, after a shaky start.
Virat Kohli credits the influence of young players for his T20 reinvention and fastest IPL fifty, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second successive trophy. He highlights the team's depth and shared responsibility in securing the IPL title.
'Had a great time with all the young Veda Pathshala students in Kanchipuram.'
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket Mo Bobat credited the franchise's "collective contributions" and fearless identity after the defending champions thrashed Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.
How Andy Flower, Mo Bobat, Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli transformed Royal Challengers Bengaluru from IPL underachievers into back-to-back champions and potential dynasty builders.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pursuit of back-to-back Indian Premier League titles will run into the season's most disciplined bowling attack when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on Tuesday, with a direct place in the final at stake.
KKR's star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer claimed staying in the present has been the key to handling the pressures of the T20 league.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League aiming to retain the title, but former India captain Anil Kumble believes the task will be easier said than done.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, attributes the team's IPL success to a 'hunter mindset' that prevents complacency after their previous trophy win. This psychological shift has been key to maintaining motivation and focus.
Virat Kohli has urged his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates to maintain intensity and focus during training sessions as they prepare for their IPL title defence.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to exploit Punjab Kings' bowling vulnerabilities to secure a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli's presence is a major draw for fans in Dharamsala.
A review of the IPL 2026 season, highlighting the successes of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, while noting the disappointing performances of Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, setting the stage for significant changes.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik praised the team's fighting spirit after their six-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in their first away match of IPL 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to rediscover their batting form against Kolkata Knight Riders, whose in-form bowling attack has revived their IPL 2026 playoff hopes.
