Venkatesh Iyer exemplifies professionalism amidst the glitz and glamor of the IPL

RCB head coach Andy Flower heaped praise on Venkatesh Iyer after Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed their place in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Although RCB suffered a 55-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, nevertheless, they secured the top two spots in the points table.

Opening the batting, Iyer played a valuable knock of 44 off 19 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga.

Flower praised Iyer for his patience, professionalism and impact whenever given the opportunity this season. The RCB coach also praised his attitude, hard work and determination and said the experienced all-rounder remained positive despite spending long spells on the sidelines waiting for his chance.

“Look, I have a lot of respect for Venkatesh Iyer (Venky). He had to wait for his chance and every time he got a chance – either as an impact player when we needed an extra batsman because we got into trouble in the innings or in the last two games when he got a chance, first at No. 4 and then at bat in all those 4th at Dharamsala today. chances,” Flower said in the post-match press conference.

“So his attitude throughout the season has been outstanding. I have a lot of respect for a man who has played a lot of IPL cricket, played for India and sat on the sidelines waiting for his chance. He was in that dugout with a big smile on his face the whole time.”

“He trained hard every single practice. He worked hard bowling, fielding and batting. He was exemplary to be honest, so we have a lot of respect for him,” Flower added.

HOW DID VENKATESH IYER PERFORM IN IPL 2026?

Iyer enjoyed a solid debut season with RCB after switching from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. Bought by RCB for Rs 7 crore in a mini-auction, the left-arm all-rounder has arrived with plenty to prove after a stunning last season with KKR.

Although he did not start the season as a regular in the playing eleven, Iyer seized his opportunity whenever he was called upon. One of his standout performances came against Punjab Kings where he smashed an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls at a strike rate of over 180 and won the Player of the Match award.

In five matches this season, Iyer has scored 158 runs at an average of 79 and a strike rate of 177.52.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

May 23, 2026 12:07 PM IST

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