Venkatesh Iyer Signs with RCB for IPL 2026

By Rohan Mehta / 27.03.2026

Venkatesh Iyer has been signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 7 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, marking a significant move following his recent success with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he won the IPL 2025 title.

In the IPL 2025 season, Iyer scored 142 runs at an average of 20.28, a performance that was considered below average by some observers. Despite this, RCB’s decision to acquire him has been met with optimism.

Mo Bobat, a key figure in RCB’s management, stated, “Adding a player of Venky’s (Venkatesh Iyer) quality, experience, and calibre is a no-brainer.” He emphasized the importance of fostering competition within the squad, saying, “We want competition for places.” This indicates RCB’s strategy to strengthen their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.

In addition to his IPL commitments, Iyer has also been retained by Indore Pink Panthers for ₹12.50 lakh, making him the most expensive player in the MPL 2026. He has been reappointed as the captain of the team, showcasing his leadership qualities and value in the sport.

MPL 2026 is set to take place in Indore after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League, providing Iyer with an opportunity to further demonstrate his skills and leadership.

Sandeep Jain, a representative of Indore Pink Panthers, remarked, “Retaining a dynamic and experienced player like Venkatesh Iyer at the highest price is a strategic decision.” This highlights Iyer’s significance in both IPL and MPL formats.

As the cricketing community looks forward to the upcoming seasons, observers will be keen to see how Iyer performs with RCB and leads the Indore Pink Panthers. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his specific role and performance expectations for the upcoming tournaments.