IPL 2026: Did RCB Lose a Gem Chasing Venkatesh Iyer? Rajat Patidar Was Made Captain Out of Necessity

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finally secured Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2026 auction, but the journey to get the left-handed all-rounder has been anything but smooth.

RCB had tried to acquire Iyer in the IPL 2025 auction, bidding as high as ₹23.50 crore, but ultimately had to withdraw. At that time, the franchise was also seeking a captain, and cricket experts, including Harsha Bhogle, believed RCB wanted Iyer to lead the team—a factor that drove the bidding war. Eventually, Rajat Patidar was handed the captaincy, and RCB went on to clinch the title.

Iyer Joins RCB for IPL 2026
In the IPL 2026 auction, RCB again targeted Iyer. This time, he faced competition from KKR, but RCB managed to secure him for ₹7 crore. Iyer, who has played 61 IPL matches, boasts 1,468 runs at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 137. With the ball, he has taken only three wickets so far.

Challenge in Fitting Iyer into Playing XI
While RCB has finally added Iyer to the squad, fitting him into the playing XI poses challenges. The team already has a settled top-order with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt opening and Devdutt Padikkal at number three, followed by Rajat Patidar at number four. Iyer, who thrives in the top 3, could displace Padikkal if included, creating a selection dilemma.

Lack of Backup Spin Options
RCB’s spin department also remains a concern. Suyash Sharma is the primary spinner, with no backup ready. If Sharma underperforms or suffers an injury, RCB could face significant trouble. Investing in established leg-spinners like Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar would have strengthened the team’s auction strategy. For top-order backup, RCB relies on Jacob Bethel and Vihaan Malhotra, but their experience is limited.

RCB’s pursuit of Iyer underscores their ambition to strengthen the squad, but balancing the playing XI while addressing spin and top-order options will be crucial for a successful IPL 2026 campaign.

---

I can also create a short, punchy version for a front-page headline, emphasizing RCB’s gamble on Iyer and the captaincy backstory, which works well in print. Do you want me to do that?