Ex-RCB star EXPOSES Dinesh Karthik’s lack of faith in Venkatesh Iyer

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Abhinav Mukund has questioned Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) plans for the next season after the IPL 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. RCB made a splash by signing the Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore, bringing in the left-handed batter to strengthen their top order.

On paper, it looked like a big addition, but Mukund believes that Venkatesh Iyer may not actually get a spot in RCB’s playing XI in the IPL 2026. The cricket pandit has pointed out that the problem for RCB is Devdutt Padikkal, who has been in excellent form and is already part of the top order.

Abhinav Mukund questions RCB’s plan, doubts Venkatesh Iyer will make playing XI in IPL 2026

Mukund also mentioned that even RCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik is unsure about where Venkatesh Iyer fits in, given Padikkal’s recent performances. Karthik had said after the auction, “He can bat anywhere from 1 to 7. In case we require it, he can give us an over or two as well. He's a utilitarian player who we looked at very seriously in the mega auction.”

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Notably, Padikkal played a key role in RCB’s IPL 2025 title win despite only featuring in 10 games because of injury. He scored 247 runs at a strike rate of over 150. Even Padikkal has been in great form with the bat in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26.

Padikkal has so far scored 309 runs in six Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 games at an average of 61.8 and a strike rate of 167.02, including one century and two fifties.

DK was non-committal about Venkatesh Iyer's place in XI: Abhinav Mukund

With Padikkal in such great form, Mukund believes that Venkatesh Iyer shouldn’t be rushed into the playing XI. He feels RCB’s top seven has been performing well, and there is no need to change a winning combination in the upcoming IPL 2026.

Abhinav Mukund was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “DK was on our show, and we asked him if Venkatesh will start in the XI, and DK was non-committal about it. He said Padikkal has been in terrific form. Last year, Venkatesh's stocks were much higher than Padikkal's, but if you look at it now, Devdutt has had a phenomenal last year. I don't think Venkatesh starts, and he should not also. They have had great success with the top seven.”

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Sanjay Bangar questions RCB’s IPL 2026 auction strategy

Former RCB and India batting coach Sanjay Bangar questioned RCB’s auction strategy. He felt the franchise missed an opportunity to strengthen their spin department, which was a weak point last season. With spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Rahul Chahar available, and RCB having money left in their purse, Bangar wondered why they chose to spend big on Venkatesh Iyer instead.

Bangar also pointed out that spending on a player who may not even play in the starting XI could be risky, especially when the team’s spin options needed to be boosted. However, he still feels Venkatesh is a quality cricketer and could be a valuable backup option for RCB next season.

He further said, “Spin is something that was a little bit of a question mark last season. You would have expected that when there was Bishnoi and Chahar, both of them would be good picks. They had the purse as well. So why spend on a spot that they might not utilize?”