IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer May Not Start for RCB, Anil Kumble Explains

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged from the IPL 2026 Auction with a clear focus on squad stability and smart backups, a strategy that may see marquee signing Venkatesh Iyer eased into the setup rather than rushed into the playing XI.

Speaking on JioHotstar's IPL Auction Review, former India captain Anil Kumble, along with fellow expert Sanjay Bangar and RCB head coach Andy Flower, broke down RCB's auction thinking and the likely roles of their new recruits.

Kumble: Stability First, No Rush to Change a Winning XI

Kumble explained that while RCB were pleased to secure Venkatesh Iyer, they were equally conscious of not unsettling a team that has delivered consistently.

"RCB thought they might get outbid, but they did not, so they are happy to have Venkatesh Iyer," Kumble said. "Jacob Duffy will

be a backup for Josh Hazlewood, Jordan Cox is a like-for-like replacement for Phil Salt, and Mangesh Yadav comes in as a backup for Yash Dayal. He is a left-arm seamer with a lot of potential, though he has not played much cricket. "

On Iyer's immediate chances, Kumble was clear: "Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. "

He added that RCB's restraint at the auction table was deliberate. "That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong. "

Bangar: Flexibility Exists, But Team Is Settled

Sanjay Bangar echoed similar sentiments, calling Iyer a valuable option while underlining that immediate inclusion is not guaranteed.

"Venkatesh Iyer had a lot of eyes on him since last season. He has been consistent and you can see his confidence," Bangar said. "Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach, and Malolan Rangarajan, who scouts talent for RCB, have a good option in him. "

However, Bangar admitted there was uncertainty over Iyer's place in the XI early on. "Will he be in the playing eleven right away? There is some doubt, as this is a settled team. They wanted left-handers and got them. They can adjust Venkatesh in the eleven, like they did with Krunal Pandya last season. Krunal played well, so the lack of a top spinner was not felt. Suyash Sharma had a good season. "

Andy Flower: Leadership Adds Value Beyond the XI

RCB head coach Andy Flower stressed that Iyer's value goes beyond just on-field roles. "Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field," Flower said. "We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. "

Flower also hinted at how the bidding unfolded. "When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. I think KKR had a little extra money left in their purse after purchasing Cameron Green. They were probably betting some of it on Venkatesh Iyer, but in the end, we ended up acquiring Venkatesh and we are really happy with it. "

RCB's Auction Blueprint

Overall, the discussion painted a picture of an RCB side prioritising continuity over upheaval, strengthening their bench with Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox and Mangesh Yadav, while viewing Venkatesh Iyer as a long-term asset rather than an automatic starter.

Fans can catch all the action from Indian Premier League 2026 live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.