Venkatesh Iyer Says ‘RCB Feels Like Home’ After Match-Winning Knock Against PBKS

Venkatesh Iyer revealed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru already “feels like home” after his unbeaten 73 helped RCB defeat Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their dominant IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding 23-run win over Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on May 17. One of the biggest positives for RCB was the explosive innings played by Venkatesh Iyer, who delivered a match-winning unbeaten knock under pressure.

The left-handed batter smashed 73 runs from just 40 deliveries and remained unbeaten till the end. His innings included eight boundaries and four sixes at a stunning strike rate of 182.50. The performance earned him the Player of the Match award as RCB successfully defended a massive total against Punjab Kings.

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‘RCB Feels Like Home,’ Says Venkatesh Iyer

After the match, Venkatesh Iyer opened up about his experience with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after spending several seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders. The all-rounder admitted that although he still shares an emotional connection with KKR, he has already settled comfortably into the RCB environment.

“They’ve welcomed me very well. Obviously, it’s a very professional setup and the cricket part of it, the management, it’s just unbelievable. All credit to Mo Bobat and DK, the way they have taken care of the boys, it’s just unbelievable. On top of that, the brand of cricket that RCB plays is something that excites me a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time at KKR, so yeah, there will be an emotional bond, but I’ve really felt at home here,” said Venkatesh during the post-match presentation.

The 31-year-old joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2025 mini-auction after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders.

Venkatesh Opens Up On Frustration And Virat Kohli Partnership

Venkatesh also spoke honestly about waiting for opportunities this season and admitted that sitting out matches had been frustrating for him. However, he acknowledged the importance of maintaining a winning combination in a champion side like RCB.

“I’d lie if I said that I was not frustrated or not wanting to play. I was really wanting to go out there and play because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL. We want to play, we want to do well. But I do understand, I’ve been here long enough to understand that this is a champion team and to tinker with the combination is not always right. But I always tried to create an impact on the coaching staff to make me play and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity,” said Venkatesh.

The all-rounder also credited Virat Kohli for helping him settle during the innings. Venkatesh highlighted Kohli’s communication and mindset as key factors while batting together in the middle overs.

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“I think, yeah, it was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli. Obviously the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you. I think with all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication, that’s the key. If you’re able to communicate well with your partner because it’s two people out there scoring runs together for the team, that was the key,” he added.

After walking in following Devdutt Padikkal’s dismissal, Venkatesh stitched together crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and Tim David to ensure RCB crossed the 220-run mark.

His fearless strokeplay, clean hitting, and ability to accelerate under pressure turned the momentum heavily in RCB’s favour and ultimately played a major role in their 23-run victory.