“Tu to Allan Donald bana hua hai,” remarked Virat Kohli, drawing a striking parallel between Venkatesh Iyer and the legendary fast bowler Allan Donald during a recent training session.
This comparison comes as Iyer embarks on a new chapter in his career, having been acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹7 crore. Previously, Iyer showcased his skills with the Kolkata Knight Riders for five seasons, where he became a fan favorite.
In his last season with KKR, Iyer scored 142 runs in 11 matches, demonstrating his potential as a valuable player. Over his tenure with KKR, he played a total of 62 matches, amassing 1468 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 137.32, including one century and 12 fifties.
The IPL 2026 season opener will see Iyer donning the colors of Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking a significant moment in his career.
Before his acquisition by RCB, Iyer was originally signed by KKR for ₹23.75 crores, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his performance. Kohli’s comparison to Allan Donald underscores the pressure and excitement that come with such a transition.
As Iyer prepares for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set by Kohli’s comparison.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies RCB plans to implement with Iyer in their lineup, but his addition is expected to bolster their batting order significantly.
With the IPL season fast approaching, the cricketing world is eager to see how Iyer will adapt to his new team and whether he can replicate his past successes on the field.
As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their new acquisition, Venkatesh Iyer, as they aim for glory in the upcoming tournament.
