Venkatesh Iyer replaces Rajat Patidar as captain after being signed by RCB

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced Venkatesh Iyer as their captain for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The MPCA has picked Venkatesh Iyer ahead of Rajat Patidar, who was named the all-format captain of Madhya Pradesh for the 2025-26 season.

Interestingly, Patidar was also not picked in the Madhya Pradesh squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. There is not clarity whether any fitness issues forced the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association to rest Patidar and hand the reins to Iyer.

Not Rajat Patidar! Venkatesh Iyer named Madhya Pradesh captain for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Recently, Patidar was part of the Madhya Pradesh squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 after recovering from a knee injury. He has built an impressive record as a captain across different formats. Earlier this year, Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first-ever IPL title.

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Before that, he guided Central Zone to their first Duleep Trophy victory since the 2014-15 season. The star batter had also guided Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2024-25 season. So, Patidar’s snub left many surprised.

After RCB deal at IPL 2026 Auction, Venkatesh Iyer gets Madhya Pradesh's captaincy

Well, as reported by IANS, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has “selected Venkatesh Iyer as captain of their men's senior team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy league stage, which will be held in Ahmedabad from December 24 to January 8, 2026” on December 19.

The 30-year-old recently made headlines after being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 Auction for Rs 7 crore after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was part of the KKR team from 2021 to 2025, during which he won an IPL title in 2024.

Taking the Madhya Pradesh captaincy is a major boost for Iyer, who will play in the IPL 2026 for the RCB under Patidar’s captaincy and will have the honor of sharing a dressing room with Virat Kohli.

MP squad features IPL 2026 Auction picks Shivang Kumar and Mangesh Yadav

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh’s 16-member squad is packed with experienced and talented players across departments. Himanshu Mantri will take up the role of wicketkeeper, while dependable batters like Yash Dubey and Shubham Sharma will lead the batting lineup.

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The all-rounders Iyer himself, Harpreet Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, and Tripuresh Singh will provide flexibility in both batting and bowling, while Aryan Pandey and Rahul Batham strengthen the bowling attack. Ritik Tada is expected to play a key role in the lower order in the 50-over elite competition.

Adding further firepower, the Madhya Pradesh squad features two recent IPL picks: all-rounder Shivang Kumar and left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav, who bring valuable experience to the side. Additionally, Saransh Jain and Madhav Tiwari have also been included, subject to fitness.

Madhya Pradesh squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy League Phase:

Venkatesh Iyer (C), Harsh Gawli, Himanshu Mantri (WK), Yash Dubey, Shubham Sharma, Harpreet Singh, Rishabh Chauhan, Ritik Tada, Shivang Kumar, Aryan Pandey, Rahul Batham, Tripuresh Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Kumar Kartikeya, Saransh Jain, Madhav Tiwari (subject to fitness).