“He’ll be a good fit for RCB ” - Kris Srikkanth’s huge statement on discarded Indian all-rounder ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Delhi v Services - Vijay Hazare Trophy - Source: Getty
Kris Srikkanth opened up on RCB's potential IPL 2026 auction strategies [Credit: Getty]

Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth believes Venkatesh Iyer could be the ideal fit for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), urging the franchise to acquire the all-rounder in the IPL 2026 auction on December 16. The 30-year-old is coming off a poor IPL 2025 season, resulting in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) releasing him.

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Lest we forget, RCB went toe-to-toe with KKR in the IPL 2025 auction for Iyer's services before the latter bought him for ₹23.75 crore. The southpaw enjoyed back-to-back excellent seasons in 2023 and 2024, helping KKR win the title in the latter.

Talking about RCB's auction strategy on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (19:29):

"They should go for Venkatesh Iyer. Venkatesh Iyer, instead of Devdutt Padikkal, will also give them a back-up of two overs with the ball. So he'll be a good fit for RCB."
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The former captain also urged RCB to go for a back-up medium pacer and spinner, saying:

"They definitely need a backup medium pacer, foreign or Indian. Suyash Sharma was a big hit for them last season. He bowled brilliantly, but you still need a backup for Suyash Sharma also."

RCB retained most of their core, leaving them with a purse of ₹16.40 crore for the upcoming auction.

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"Venkatesh Iyer will be a good choice at No. 4" - Kris Srikkanth on GT's auction plans

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Kris Srikkanth believes Venkatesh Iyer will be an ideal fit for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026. Despite qualifying for the playoffs in the 2025 season, GT struggled with their batting outside the top three: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.

"For them (GT), Venkatesh Iyer will be a good choice at No. 4. He'll also give them a few overs of bowling," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

Even after a dismal 2025 season, Iyer boasts impressive IPL numbers with an average of almost 30 and a strike rate of over 137 in 62 matches. The 30-year-old has played only for KKR in his five-year IPL career.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
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