IPL 2026: ‘RCB feels like home’ – Venkatesh Iyer reflects after match-winning knock against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer shared his thoughts after joining his new franchise and playing a match-winning knock against Punjab Kings. The defending champions defeated PBKS by 23 runs in the Indian Premier League 2026 on May 17 at the HPCA Stadium.

Venkatesh scored an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 182.50. The left-handed batter was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings. Speaking after the match, Venkatesh said that although he spent a long time with Kolkata Knight Riders and shares a strong emotional bond with the franchise, he already feels at home in the RCB camp.

“They’ve welcomed me very well. Obviously, it’s a very professional setup and the cricket part of it, the management, it’s just unbelievable. All credit to Mo Bobat and DK, the way they have taken care of the boys, it’s just unbelievable. On top of that, the brand of cricket that RCB plays is something that excites me a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time at KKR, so yeah, there will be an emotional bond, but I’ve really felt at home here,” said Venkatesh during the post-match presentation.

He also admitted that he was frustrated at not getting enough opportunities and was eagerly waiting for a chance to play. Venkatesh said he was delighted to finally get the opportunity and felt fortunate to bat alongside veteran batter Virat Kohli. The 31-year-old previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders for several seasons before being bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2025 mini-auction.

“I’d lie if I said that I was not frustrated or not wanting to play. I was really wanting to go out there and play because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL. We want to play, we want to do well. But I do understand, I’ve been here long enough to understand that this is a champion team and to tinker with the combination is not always right. But I always tried to create an impact on the coaching staff to make me play and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity,” said Venkatesh.

“I think, yeah, it was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli. Obviously the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you. I think with all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication, that’s the key. If you’re able to communicate well with your partner because it’s two people out there scoring runs together for the team, that was the key,” he added.