Ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli was left thoroughly impressed by the bowling prowess of his new teammate, Venkatesh Iyer. During a high-intensity practice session, Iyer turned heads by uprooting the stumps with a sharp, pinpoint delivery, signaling that he is ready to contribute with more than just the bat this year.
The defending champions are currently finalizing their preparations before they face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28. RCB secured Iyer’s services for Rs 7 crore during last year’s mini-auction, successfully navigating a fierce bidding war against the Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and Iyer's former team, the Kolkata Knight Riders.
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Virat Kohli stunned by Venkatesh Iyer’s fiery delivery in RCB nets
Kohli’s reaction to the delivery was one of genuine awe, leading him to draw a lofty comparison between the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder and South African fast-bowling legend Allan Donald. The former captain was particularly struck by the pace, rhythm, and aggressive intent displayed by Iyer throughout the net session.
By likening the medium-pacer’s clinical accuracy to that of "The White Lightning," Kohli has certainly raised expectations for Iyer’s role in the RCB bowling attack. This newfound rhythm could be a significant asset for the franchise as they look to defend their title starting this weekend.
“Venkateshwar, tu to Allan Donald bana hua hai,” Kohli was heard in a video.
Watch the video here:
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RCB will look to their talisman Kohli, to spearhead their title defense in the 2026 season. Kohli was the backbone of the team’s batting lineup in 2025, finishing the campaign as their top run-scorer and proving once again why he is considered the heart of the franchise.
During that historic 2025 run, the right-handed maestro amassed 657 runs across 15 innings. He maintained a stellar average of 54.75 and a brisk strike rate of 144.71, anchoring the top order with eight half-centuries. His consistent form was a primary reason RCB finally ended their 18-year wait for a trophy, clinching their maiden title with a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Joining the champions this year is Venkatesh Iyer, who brings a wealth of high-pressure experience to the squad. Across his IPL career, Iyer has proven to be a versatile threat, scoring 1,468 runs in 56 innings at a strike rate of 137.32. His pedigree as a winner is well-established, having played a vital role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2024 championship victory, where he hammered 370 runs at an explosive strike rate of nearly 159. Beyond his batting, Iyer offers RCB a valuable medium-pace option. While his IPL bowling stats show three wickets in limited opportunities, his overall T20 record is much more substantial, with 55 wickets in 76 matches at a disciplined economy rate of 7.76.