IPL 2026: Why Venkatesh Iyer could be the missing piece in RCB’s title defence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had their title defence on track in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), sitting comfortably atop the points table. The Rajat Patidar-led side has ticked most of the boxes in their campaign and has hardly left any gaping holes for the opponents to exploit.

However, one area demands team management's attention as RCB prepare themselves for the high-intensity action of the playoffs. Ever since Philip Salt’s return to England following a finger injury, the defending champions have struggled with their opening partnership as young Jacob Bethell hasn’t been able to emulate Salt’s fireworks at the top.

The 22-year-old is touted as the next batting superstar from England, having played several memorable innings at the international level in his short career. However, he hasn’t been able to replicate his heroics in the IPL with just 96 runs to his name from seven innings in 2026 with a best score of 27.

In a batting lineup studded with several top hitters from top to bottom, Bethell remains the only weak link, which could come back to haunt RCB as the small crack could widen under pressure in the playoffs.

Iyer's rich form in limited opportunities

However, the team management doesn’t need to look too far to find a solution, as Venkatesh Iyer, who has warmed the bench for the majority of the season, has quietly made a compelling case with his stupendous performances.

Iyer got his first chance of the season after being brought on as an Impact player to rescue RCB from a collapse against Rajasthan Royals during Match 16 in Guwahati.

The southpaw scored an unbeaten 29* (15) to help the team reach a good total of 201/8 in their 20 overs. He was again brought on as an impact substitute against Gujarat Titans (GT) to help RCB get out of another collapse during Match 30 in Ahmedabad.

However, he could only score 12 (15) as RCB were skittled for 155 in their 20 overs. Iyer’s best innings of the season came against Punjab Kings, where his blistering 73* (40) guided his team to a massive score of 222/4 and also fetched him the Player of the Match award in the 23-run victory.

The opening days of Venkatesh Iyer

Iyer began his IPL career opening the innings for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he made a name for himself with his aggressive intent against pace and the ability to dominate in the powerplay.

However, he was shifted lower down the order midway through the 2023 season. In 22 innings as an opener in IPL, Iyer has scored 556 runs at an average of 27.8 and a strike rate of 122.19.

The 31-year-old only got to play the last fixture due to an injury to captain Rajat Patidar. With him set to return in the upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the best way for RCB to utilise Iyer’s form would be to bring him at the top of the order and make him open alongside Virat Kohli.

With no clarity given by the team management on Salt’s return yet, Iyer could well be the missing puzzle RCB need in their quest to defend the crown.