Venkatesh Iyer Admits Desire to Play Under Virat Kohli’s RCB Captaincy
The Legacy of Virat Kohli as RCB Skipper
In 2013, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise made a pivotal decision that would define an era: they appointed a young, aggressive Virat Kohli as their permanent captain. Expectations were sky-high as the team looked to build around his fierce competitive spirit. For nine years, Kohli stood at the helm of the franchise, steering them through highs and lows, most notably guiding the side to the 2016 IPL final. While the elusive trophy remained out of reach during his tenure, Kohli’s impact went far beyond silverware. He became the heartbeat of the team, nurturing young talent and establishing a culture of intensity that remains a hallmark of RCB to this day.
By 2022, Kohli chose to step away from the leadership role to focus on his game as a pure batter. Yet, his influence remains absolute. Even years after handing over the reins, he continues to be the primary motivator for his teammates, a fact highlighted by recent comments from current RCB star, Venkatesh Iyer.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Honest Admission
Venkatesh Iyer, a key acquisition for RCB in the most recent mini-auction, was brought into the fold for a substantial 7 crore fee. Despite having to wait for his opportunity on the sidelines, Iyer has remained a professional and integral member of the squad. In a recent, candid interview with Cricbuzz, the Madhya Pradesh batter was asked to name the IPL captain he would have most loved to play under during his career.
The question naturally invited comparisons to the most successful skippers in league history, such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who have accumulated multiple titles. However, Iyer did not hesitate in his response. He pointed directly to Virat Kohli, expressing a deep-seated desire to have been part of the team during Kohli’s prime captaincy years. Interestingly, when asked about the best leader he has personally played under, Iyer cited Eoin Morgan, reflecting on his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but the admiration for Kohli’s leadership style remains distinct.
A Partnership That Delivered in IPL 2026
The mutual respect between the two players was on full display during the crucial IPL 2026 clash against the Punjab Kings. With Rajat Patidar sidelined due to injury, the stage was set for Venkatesh Iyer to make his mark. He did not disappoint, forging a match-winning partnership with none other than Virat Kohli himself.
The duo displayed aggressive intent, with Kohli acting as a mentor in the middle. Their partnership was instrumental in propelling RCB to an imposing total of 222 runs. Reflecting on the experience, Iyer was quick to credit the legend for his calm demeanor and tactical guidance under pressure. “I was lucky that Virat Kohli was batting out there with me,” Iyer noted. “He gave me a few key pointers and provided valuable advice during the batting; he kept helping me throughout the innings.”
Justifying the Investment
For a player who was benched for a portion of the season in favor of Devdutt Padikkal, the pressure to perform was immense. When the opportunity finally presented itself, Iyer grabbed it with both hands. His innings of 73* off just 40 balls, delivered at a staggering strike rate of 182, was a masterclass in batting under pressure.
This performance was not merely a personal milestone; it was a catalyst for the team’s success. The 23-run victory over the Punjab Kings was enough to secure RCB a coveted spot in the playoffs. By delivering when it mattered most, Iyer proved his worth to the management and cemented his standing within the team. For the fans, seeing the chemistry between a seasoned legend like Kohli and a hungry talent like Iyer provided a glimpse into the bright future of the RCB batting lineup as they head into the business end of the tournament.
