NewKerala.com

Anil Kumble: Venkatesh Iyer Won't Start for RCB, Defending Champs Back Winning Core

Anil Kumble believes RCB will not include new signing Venkatesh Iyer in their initial playing XI, opting to avoid disrupting a settled, championship-winning side. The franchise's strategy focused on retaining core players like spinner Suyash Sharma instead of pursuing senior options. Experts note Iyer provides a valuable left-handed batting option but faces competition in a stable lineup. RCB bolstered their squad depth in the auction with signings like Mangesh Yadav and several young talents.

Key Points: Kumble: Venkatesh Iyer Not in RCB's Starting XI

  • Iyer's bench role predicted
  • RCB backing core players
  • Strategic spinner retention
  • Squad depth strengthened in auction
3 min read

"Venkatesh Iyer will not be in RCB's playing XI at start": Anil Kumble feels defending champs would not tinker with winning team

Anil Kumble says RCB won't tinker with a winning team, meaning Venkatesh Iyer will likely begin on the bench despite his 7 crore acquisition.

"You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. - Anil Kumble"

Mumbai, December 26

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble feels that all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing eleven at the start, as the defending champions would not like to "create a doubt" in a winning team.

After a hot-and-cold season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year at a price of 23.75 crore rupees, RCB got the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder for Rs seven crores in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction held ahead of next year's season.

Speaking on 'TATA IPL Auction Review', JioStar expert Kumble said on Venkatesh, while also expanding on the team's decision to stick with its key spinners, "Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong."

Also, former Indian all-rounder and JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar said that the all-rounder had "a lot of eyes on him since last season".

"He has been consistent, and you can see his confidence. Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach, and Malolan Rangarajan, who scouts talent for RCB, have a good option in him. Will he be in the playing eleven right away? There is some doubt, as this is a settled team. They wanted left-handers and got them. They can adjust Venkatesh in the eleven, like they did with Krunal Pandya last season. Krunal played well, so the lack of a top spinner was not felt. Suyash Sharma had a good season," he added.

Iyer went under the hammer for a base price of Rs 2 crore. Lucknow Super Giants raise the paddle for the first time. Gujarat Titans also join the race after a brief pause. The bidding war began when Iyer's former team, Kolkata Knight Riders, entered the race.RCB and KKR continued to pursue him; however, RCB signed the MP all-rounder. Iyer has 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12, with a strike rate of over 137, a century and 12 fifties in 56 innings in IPL.

Last year, KKR bought him back for Rs 23.75 crores, but he had a poor season, with just 142 runs in seven innings at an average above 20, a strike rate of almost 140, and just one fifty.

The defending champions further strengthened their squad depth with the signing of left-arm pacer and lower-order batter Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.2 crore, making him the fourth-highest uncapped Indian acquisition of the day. The franchise also added the hard-hitting English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox. RCB further invested in youth by securing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 Lakh, U19 talents Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chauhan at the base price, and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who was signed for Rs 2 crore.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I think this is smart management. Protecting young players like Suyash Sharma from feeling threatened is crucial for their development. Good on RCB for thinking long-term.
A
Ananya R
But 7 crores is still a lot of money for a backup player, no? 🤔 Iyer had one bad season, but he's a proven match-winner on his day. If he finds form in the nets, they should be flexible and include him. Can't be too rigid.
V
Vikram M
Fully agree with Jumbo! The core team that won the IPL deserves the first chance. Venkatesh is a great buy for depth and will get his opportunity through injury or loss of form. Patience is key. #PlayBold
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I have to disagree slightly. The IPL is a long tournament. "Settled team" is good, but you also need to inject fresh energy sometimes. Iyer's left-handed batting could be very useful in the middle overs on slow pitches. They should at least try him in a few matches early on.
P
Priya S
Bangar's point about Krunal Pandya is spot on! That's exactly how they should use Iyer - as a strategic option. He doesn't need to start game 1, but he's a fantastic weapon to have in the squad. Smart auction by RCB overall. 😊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50