“Tu to Allan Donald bana hua hai,” remarked Virat Kohli, drawing a striking comparison between Venkatesh Iyer and the legendary fast bowler Allan Donald during a recent training session.
This comment comes as Iyer embarks on a new chapter in his career after being acquired by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹7 crore. Previously, he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders for five seasons, where he made a significant impact.
In his last season with KKR, Iyer scored 142 runs in 11 matches, showcasing his capabilities as a reliable batsman. Over his IPL career, he has played a total of 62 matches for KKR, accumulating 1468 runs at an impressive strike rate of 137.32.
His IPL statistics include one century and 12 fifties, underscoring his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The comparison to Allan Donald, known for his fierce bowling, may reflect Kohli’s belief in Iyer’s potential to dominate the batting order.
Iyer was originally signed by KKR for ₹23.75 crores before IPL 2025, indicating the high expectations placed upon him. As he transitions to RCB, the cricketing community is keen to see how he adapts and performs in a new environment.
The IPL 2026 season opener is set to feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking a significant moment for Iyer as he dons the RCB jersey for the first time.
With Kohli’s endorsement, Iyer’s journey in the IPL will be closely monitored, as fans and analysts alike anticipate his performance and growth in the league.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in Iyer’s training or preparation for the upcoming season.
