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Venkatesh Iyer's MI Dominance Could Force RCB's Hand at Wankhede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are considering playing all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer in their crucial match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. His selection is prompted by an exceptional record against MI, where he averages over 60 with a century and three fifties. Iyer also has a century at the Wankhede, adding to his credentials for the high-stakes clash. The move follows his recent fiery cameo as an Impact Player for RCB in the previous match.

Key Points: RCB May Play Venkatesh Iyer vs MI Due to Strong Record

  • Strong record vs MI
  • Century & three fifties against MI
  • Good Wankhede form
  • Impact Player cameo for RCB
2 min read

Could Venkatesh Iyer's strong record vs MI tempt RCB to play him at Wankhede?

RCB could pick Venkatesh Iyer against MI, given his stellar average of 60.83 and a century against the five-time champions at Wankhede.

"Against MI, the all-rounder has a strong record, scoring 365 runs in seven matches at an average of 60.83 - Report"

Mumbai, April 12

Royal Challengers Bengaluru could be tempted to play all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer during their marquee clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, given his strong record against the five-time champions and at the iconic venue in Mumbai.

Venkatesh made his first appearance as an RCB player during IPL 2026 edition during the last match as an Impact Player, scoring a fiery 29* in 15 balls, with a four and a six to power his side to a score of 201/8.

Against MI, the all-rounder has a strong record, scoring 365 runs in seven matches at an average of 60.83, with a strike rate of 160.08, including a century and three fifties.

In six innings at Wankhede, Venkatesh has made 202 runs at an average of 33.67, with a strike rate of 137.41, including a century and fifty each.

In 63 IPL matches and 57 innings, he has made 1,497 runs at an average of 30.55 and a strike rate of over 138, with a century and 12 fifties.

Squads: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam Dar, Kanishk Chouhan, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Swapnil Singh, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Satvik Deswal Mumbai Indians Squad: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, AM Ghazanfar, Jasprit Bumrah, Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Mayank Markande, Quinton de Kock, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Raghu Sharma, Atharva Ankolekar, Danish Malewar, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Stats are one thing, but team balance is another. Who does he replace? Padikkal? Or do we drop an overseas player? The management has a tough call. Hope they get the combination right this time.
R
Rohit P
As a lifelong RCB fan, I say go for it! We need players who can perform under pressure at big grounds. His cameo last match was promising. Let's back the player with the good record. #PlayVenkatesh
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Sarah B
Interesting analysis. The Wankhede factor is key—it's a batter's paradise. If he has the experience and numbers there, it seems like a logical, data-driven selection. RCB could use more of that.
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Ananya R
Respectfully, I'm not fully convinced. Past performance is good, but current form matters more. Who has he scored those runs against? Was it against MI's current bowling attack with Bumrah firing? Need to see the full picture.
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Karthik V
He's a proper all-rounder, na? Can bowl a few overs of medium pace too. In a long tournament, that flexibility is gold. Perfect Impact Player candidate if nothing else. Let's hope the think tank makes the right move. 🤞

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