Fresh off RCB’s second consecutive IPL title, Venkatesh Iyer joined Boria Majumdar for an exclusive conversation with RevSportz. He reflected on his pivotal partnership with Virat Kohli during RCB’s playoff run, admitting it was the turning point in his campaign. He also spoke about navigating social media criticism and the game plan he and Kohli shared during their crucial partnership. Venkatesh’s explosive 32 off 16 balls in the final played a significant role in RCB’s title win.
Boria: Venkatesh Iyer, many congratulations on the IPL win. First thoughts?
Venky: Obviously, I am very happy to touch the trophy once again. It feels very special, even more so when things do not go your way, but you fight through it to win the trophy as well as earn the respect of your colleagues.
Boria: Venky, it was not an easy start. Take me a little deeper into it.
Venky: It’s a learning curve. When I’m picked by any team, I obviously think that I’ll start, that this is going to be my role and so on. My entire preparation is based around that. But understanding that I may be a second choice or a backup gave me a different perspective and, at the same time, taught me resilience.
There are hardly any seasons where the initial playing XI plays the entire tournament because of the obvious reasons that it is a long competition, with injuries, loss of form and other factors coming into play.
So, my only job was to be ready when the opportunity presented itself. To sit on the bench is one thing, but to sit on the bench with a purpose and a desire to contribute is another. I wanted to bring something to the table for the team.
Boria: Does social media vitriol impact you?
Venky: To say that it did not impact me would be wrong. But I would never react to something like that because I’ve maintained time and again that this is my life and my career, and I am completely accountable for it.
If I’ve done badly, I do not need people to tell me that. I understand cricket enough.
Trolls will always be there, irrespective of whether you do well or not. But I believe in controlling my effort and attitude.
I’m very lucky that I was in an environment that suited my attitude and approach towards the game. I never felt like I did not belong here and always felt at home.
Boria: Can you tell me a little about the turnaround?
Venky: The first few balls are actually where you are searching for who you are and getting into the groove. And it’s not just me; even the legends of the game face this.
If you’re playing regularly, those first few balls become fewer and fewer. Fortunately, I was batting alongside Virat in that game and the platform was set, so I did not have to chew up a few deliveries. I was able to take my time.
Once it starts coming off the middle of the bat, you zone out and all your focus goes into wanting to hit the ball. That’s what cricket is about – how you’re hitting the ball and how you’re reacting to situations.
Boria: How is the injury? And your thoughts on yesterday’s final, please.
Venky: The update on the injury is that I am holding up quite well. Fortunately, it is nothing serious. In extremely humid conditions, cramps are quite natural.
Talking about the game, matches are decided in the powerplay. Had it been a 210 or 220-run sort of game, the approach would have been different. Not that it would have been less aggressive, but you would have had to keep going and maintain the run rate throughout the innings.
When you’re chasing 160, you’ve got to land the first blow and try to kill the game in the powerplay because that is the only phase where the opposition has a realistic chance of making a comeback.
So, I think it was a conscious effort by me and Virat to go after their bowling. GT’s strength is their bowling attack, so, in keeping with RCB’s template, we tried to attack the opposition’s strength and make them feel helpless.
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Watch the full interview here
️ EXCLUSIVE | Venkatesh Iyer
“I was sitting on the bench, but with a purpose. I wanted to be ready when the opportunity came.”
From battling criticism to playing a key role in RCB’s title-winning run, Venkatesh Iyer opens up on resilience, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and much… pic.twitter.com/bQoxSDcOcv
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 2, 2026