Delhi: Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a brilliant half-century against Punjab Kings (PBKS), finally left his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he batted brilliantly in the match played in Dharamsala and contributed significantly in taking the team to the playoffs.

Venkatesh scored unbeaten 73 runs in 40 balls, which included eight fours and four long sixes. This was also his first half-century this season.

Rajat Patidar’s injury opened an opportunity

This season, it was not easy for Venkatesh Iyer to make a place in the playing eleven of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Due to the strong balance of the team, he had to sit out continuously. However, he got a chance in the absence of Rajat Patidar against Punjab Kings and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Venkatesh came to bat at number four and looked full of confidence from the beginning.

He put pressure on the opposition bowlers by scoring runs quickly.

The pain of not getting a chance to play

After the match, Venkatesh Iyer admitted that it was not easy for him to sit out continuously. He said that no player can say that he does not wish to play. According to him, every player wants to prove himself on a big stage like IPL and he was also hoping to get continuous opportunities.

He also admitted that Royal Challengers Bangalore is currently a balanced and successful team, hence making changes in the team composition is not an easy decision.

Despite this, he continued to work hard so that he could win the trust of the team management.

Happiness of playing more than player of the match

Venkatesh Iyer told that technically this was his second real chance in the season, because before this he had not got enough opportunity to bat. He said that it was a pleasure to win the Man of the Match award, but he got more satisfaction from coming out on the field and contributing to the team.

He also said that the two points won by the team matter the most to him and he wants to continue performing like this in the future also.

Excellent average in less matches

Venkatesh Iyer has played four matches so far in IPL 2026. In these, he got a chance to bat in only three innings. The special thing is that he has been out only once in three innings. So far he has scored 114 runs at an average of 114, which shows his consistency.

Journey from Kolkata to Bangalore

Venkatesh Iyer was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) till last season, but this time he is playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Regarding his experience in the new team, he said that the Bangalore team management gave him a wonderful welcome.

He praised Mo Bobat and Dinesh Karthik associated with the cricket operations of the team. According to Venkatesh, the environment of the team is very professional and full care is taken of the players. He said that he will always have an emotional bond with Kolkata Knight Riders, but he also felt at home at Royal Challengers Bangalore.

It is noteworthy that despite being out of the playing eleven for a long time, Venkatesh Iyer kept himself prepared and gave a match-winning performance as soon as he got the chance. It is not easy to make a place in a balanced team like Royal Challengers Bangalore, but Venkatesh proved that he is a player for big matches. Confidence and aggression were clearly visible in his batting. If he gets consistent opportunities further, he can further strengthen the middle order of the team.