“Tu to Allan Donald bana hua hai,” remarked Virat Kohli, drawing a powerful comparison between Venkatesh Iyer and the legendary fast bowler Allan Donald during a recent training session. This statement not only highlights Iyer’s potential but also serves as a testament to his skills as he embarks on a new chapter in his cricketing career.
Iyer, who was recently acquired by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹7 crore, previously played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for five seasons. His last season with KKR saw him score 142 runs in 11 matches, a performance that showcased his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s efforts.
Over his tenure with KKR, Iyer participated in 62 matches, amassing a total of 1468 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 137.32. His record includes one century and 12 fifties, underscoring his consistency and capability as a batsman in the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The backdrop to Kohli’s praise lies in Iyer’s journey, which began when he was signed by KKR for ₹23.75 crores before IPL 2025. His transition to RCB marks a significant shift in his career, as he aims to make a lasting impact in the upcoming season.
The IPL 2026 season opener is set to feature RCB facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a match that will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans eager to see how Iyer adapts to his new team. Kohli’s endorsement of Iyer as akin to Allan Donald adds an extra layer of anticipation for what lies ahead.
As Iyer prepares for this new challenge, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the high expectations set by Kohli’s comparison. With his proven track record and the support of a franchise like RCB, the stage is set for Iyer to shine in the IPL.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies RCB plans to implement with Iyer in their lineup, but his acquisition is already being hailed as a significant move for the team.
