Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 26: Despite being snapped up for Rs 7 crore by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL mini auction, pace-bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer may not feature in the team’s playing XI at the start of the upcoming season, former India captain Anil Kumble has said.

RCB were involved in a bidding war with Iyer’s former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders before securing his services at the auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The defending champions further strengthened their squad by acquiring players such as Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav.

Speaking as a JioStar expert, Kumble said RCB are unlikely to disturb a settled and successful combination. “Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team,” he said. Kumble added that this could also explain why RCB did not pursue Ravi Bishnoi aggressively, so as not to unsettle Suyash Sharma, who enjoyed a strong season.

Kumble, who led RCB to the IPL final in 2009 and later served as the franchise’s chief mentor, praised the management for retaining the core of the title-winning side. “They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and bring in a few backups in case something goes wrong,” he said.

Explaining the auction strategy, Kumble said Jacob Duffy would serve as a backup for Josh Hazlewood, Jordan Cox as a like-for-like replacement for Phil Salt, and Mangesh Yadav as cover for left-arm seamer Yash Dayal. He described Yadav as a bowler with plenty of potential despite limited exposure at the top level.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed similar views, saying there could be uncertainty over Iyer’s immediate inclusion. “Venkatesh Iyer has been consistent and confident, and RCB see him as a strong option. But this is a settled team, so whether he plays straightaway is a question,” Bangar said, noting that RCB had previously adjusted their combination successfully, as seen with Krunal Pandya last season.

RCB head coach Andy Flower, however, expressed delight at acquiring Iyer, highlighting his leadership qualities. “Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities, which is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are really happy to get him and I look forward to working with him,” Flower said.

Flower also suggested that KKR’s interest in Iyer was fuelled by surplus funds after earlier purchases, but said RCB were pleased to have secured the all-rounder as part of their long-term plans.