Benched but Unbroken: Venkatesh Iyer’s Blueprint for Red-Ball Revival at RCB

BENGALURU: Behind the calm exterior of Venkatesh Iyer lies a cricketer with clear intentions and an unwavering team-first philosophy. After a multi-season stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the all-rounder has transitioned to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The shift has brought a notable change in his playing time, reducing his on-field appearances to a single game in the franchise’s opening six matches.

Iyer is treating the unfamiliar time on the sidelines as a professional reality rather than a setback.

Understanding the Franchise Dynamics

“It definitely plays on the mind. I am not used to sitting out, but that is okay. This is a professional sport,” Iyer said during a media interaction in Bengaluru on Wednesday. “As someone who places the team above everything else, it is my duty to adhere to the environment.”

Iyer attributes his limited opportunities to the management’s preference for maintaining a settled starting XI. He highlighted the importance of continuity in franchise cricket, noting that disrupting a winning combination rarely yields positive results.

The transition has been facilitated by direct communication from the RCB coaching staff. Iyer credited the management trio for maintaining transparency regarding his position:

• Mo Bobat (Director of Cricket)
• Andy Flower (Head Coach)
• Dinesh Karthik (Batting Coach and Mentor)

“They have given me absolute clarity. Sitting outside does not mean that I am not a part of their plans. It is definitely a matter of when rather than if,” the 31-year-old explained. He maintains his work ethic by preparing mentally as if he is playing every match.

The KKR Departure and Impact Player Rule

Leaving KKR involved difficult conversations, but Iyer remains objective about the business side of the Indian Premier League. He acknowledged that former KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar clearly communicated the franchise’s requirements before his release.

In the current IPL environment, the Impact Player rule has significantly reduced the demand for part-time medium pacers. Iyer accepts this tactical shift, recognizing that bowling a full quota of four overs is highly unlikely under current match conditions.

Focusing on the Red Cherry and Ranji Trophy

Despite the T20 focus, Iyer ensures a red ball is always in his kit bag. He holds specific ambitions for first-class cricket, primarily driven by a desire to win the Ranji Trophy with Madhya Pradesh. Iyer missed out on participating in the squad that secured the BCCI domestic championship during the 2021-22 season.

To enhance his longer-format bowling, Iyer actively seeks out international fast bowlers within his franchise networks. Last season at KKR, he worked with Mitchell Starc. This year at RCB, he is extracting knowledge from Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

“I have conversations with Hazlewood as to how to improve my red-ball bowling because I want to go back home and win the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh,” Iyer stated. “I make it a point that I take a couple of sessions of fast bowling with a Test legend.”

Venkatesh Iyer: Career Statistics Snapshot

Note: Statistics sourced from ESPN Cricinfo databases.

Until his number is called for RCB, Iyer continues to refine his mechanics in the nets. His preparation remains constant, ensuring he is ready for both the immediate T20 demands and his long-term red-ball objectives.