RCB head coach Andy Flower heaped praise on Venkatesh Iyer after Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed their place in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Although RCB suffered a 55-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, they still secured a top-two finish in the points table.
Opening the batting, Iyer played a valuable knock of 44 off 19 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes before Eshan Malinga dismissed him.
Flower praised Iyer for his patience, professionalism and impact whenever given an opportunity this season. The RCB coach also lauded his attitude, hard work and commitment, saying the experienced all-rounder remained positive despite spending long periods on the sidelines waiting for his chance.
“Look, I’ve got a lot of respect for Venkatesh Iyer (Venky). He’s had to wait for his chance, and every time he’s had a chance – either as an impact player when we’ve needed the extra batsman because we’ve got ourselves into some trouble in the innings, or in the last two matches when he’s been given a chance, first at No.4 in Dharamsala and then today opening the batting – he’s taken all of those chances,” Flower said in the post-match press conference.
“So, his attitude throughout the season has been outstanding. I’ve got a lot of respect for a man that’s played a lot of IPL cricket, played for India, and was sitting on the sidelines waiting for his chance. He’s been in that dugout with a big smile on his face all the time.
“He’s practised hard every single session. He’s worked hard at his bowling, his fielding, and his batting. He’s been exemplary, to be honest, so a lot of respect for him,” Flower added.
Iyer has enjoyed a solid debut season with RCB after making the switch from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. Bought by RCB for Rs 7 crore in the mini-auction, the left-handed all-rounder arrived with plenty to prove after an underwhelming final season with KKR.
Although he did not start the season as a regular in the playing XI, Iyer grabbed his opportunities whenever called upon. One of his standout performances came against Punjab Kings, where he smashed an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls at a strike rate above 180 and earned the Player of the Match award.
In five matches this season, Iyer has notched 158 runs at an average of 79 and a strike-rate of 177.52.
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Source: India Today
