IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer may not be in RCB playing eleven at the start of season, says Anil Kumble

Venkatesh Iyer was purchased by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹7 crore within the IPL mini public sale however former captain Anil Kumble mentioned that the pace-bowling all-rounder might not discover a place of their taking part in XI within the preliminary section of the profitable T20 league.

Earlier this month, RCB have been concerned in a bidding conflict with Iyer’s former aspect Kolkata Knight Riders earlier than securing his service.

Defending champions RCB bolstered their squad by securing Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav, amongst others throughout the public sale held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

IPL 2026 auction Highlights

“Venkatesh Iyer is not going to be within the taking part in eleven in the beginning. You do not need to create doubt in a successful crew. That’s most likely why they didn’t go after a Ravi Bishnoi, in order that Suyash Sharma doesn’t really feel threatened by a senior India spinner,” JioStar skilled Kumble mentioned.

“RCB thought they may get outbid, however they didn’t, so they’re blissful to have Venkatesh Iyer.” Kumble, who captained RCB to the 2009 IPL remaining and have become it chief mentor in 2011, mentioned the franchise did properly to maintain the core of the IPL successful crew.

“They (RCB) have achieved properly to maintain the core the identical, again their gamers, and simply have a couple of backups in case one thing goes incorrect.

“Jacob Duffy will likely be a backup for Josh Hazlewood, and Jordan Cox is a like-for-like substitute for Phil Salt. Mangesh Yadav is available in as a backup for Yash Dayal. He’s a left-arm seamer with plenty of potential, although he has not performed a lot cricket.” Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar additionally mentioned there might be a query mark on whether or not Iyer will likely be within the RCB taking part in XI straightaway.

“Venkatesh Iyer had plenty of eyes on him since final season. He has been constant and you’ll see his confidence. Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach, and Malolan Rangarajan, who scouts expertise for RCB, have a superb choice in him.

“Will he be within the taking part in eleven instantly? There may be some doubt, as this can be a settled crew. They needed left-handers and obtained them. They’ll regulate Venkatesh within the eleven, like they did with Krunal Pandya final season. Krunal performed properly, so the shortage of a prime spinner was not felt. Suyash Sharma had a superb season.”

Head coach Andy Flower expressed his happiness at buying Iyer for RCB.

“Venkatesh Iyer has robust management qualities. That’s nice to have within the dressing room and on the sphere. We’re blissful to get him and I look ahead to working with him. Whenever you plan properly and have a superb technique, you understand your limits.

“I feel KKR had somewhat more money left of their purse after buying Cameron Inexperienced. They have been most likely betting a few of it on Venkatesh Iyer as a result of they’d some cash left, however ultimately, we ended up buying Venkatesh and we’re actually pleased with it.”