'Don't think he will be part of Xl' - Legendary spinner on RCB's Venkatesh Iyer

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has given his thoughts on Venkatesh Iyer’s status for the 2026 season.

Venkatesh was signed by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 7 crore in the 2025 auction, after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders, who signed him for a whopping INR 23.75 crore in 2024.

Kumble believes that Iyer may not be a part of the RCB playing Xl at the start of the season as the franchise might look to start the season with the team that won in the previous year, favouring Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal.

"I don't think Venkatesh Iyer will be part of the playing Xl at the start. You would want the same starting eleven that helped you lift the trophy after 18 years. Devdutt Padikkal should play in the eleven. He missed the last few important games due to injury, but he is in outstanding form with the bat," he told JioHotstar.

Speaking on Iyer’s potential role, he reckoned that all-rounder could be used as an impact player, and his presence as an experienced batter helping the team, along with the fact that he is a left-handed batter.

"He will take that impact player role when RCB bowl first. Suyash Sharma will be the bowling impact player when RCB bat first. That is how they structured their line-up last season. Unless they look to go with an extra batter who can bowl at the start of the season, depending on how everyone is hitting in the nets and practice matches. Otherwise, I don't see Iyer in the starting line-up. But he is a wonderful guy to have in the squad. Any time you need an experienced batter, he is there. He is a left-hander too and can switch with Padikkal if the need arises at any point in the new season," said Kumble.

RCB start their title-defence against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.