Venkatesh Iyer Explains Why He Wanted to Play Under Virat Kohli’s Captaincy

The Legacy of Virat Kohli’s Leadership at RCB

In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), few stories are as compelling as the leadership tenure of Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). When Kohli was appointed as the permanent skipper in 2013, he was a rising superstar with the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. Over the next nine years, he transformed the culture of the team, instilling a brand of aggressive, fitness-first cricket that became synonymous with the Bengaluru-based outfit.

While the elusive IPL trophy remained out of reach, Kohli led the side to the 2016 final and established a legacy of developing world-class talent. In 2022, he made the tactical decision to step away from the captaincy to focus on his role as a pure batter, yet his influence within the dressing room remains as potent as ever. It is this lingering aura of leadership that recently drew high praise from one of RCB’s newest recruits, Venkatesh Iyer.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Surprising Captaincy Preference

During a candid conversation with Cricbuzz, Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired by RCB for a staggering 7 crores in the mini-auction, was asked a poignant question: which IPL captain would he have most loved to play under? In a league that has featured the tactical brilliance of MS Dhoni and the clinical success of Rohit Sharma—both of whom have secured five titles each—Iyer’s answer was immediate and unwavering.

The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder named Virat Kohli as the captain he most desired to serve under. While Iyer acknowledged Eoin Morgan as the best captain he has personally played under during his transformative years at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his admiration for Kohli’s captaincy style highlights the deep respect the former Indian captain commands among his peers. For Iyer, the appeal of Kohli’s leadership lies not just in the tactical decisions on the field, but in the intensity and mentorship he provides to his teammates.

Silencing the Critics: The 7 Crore Price Tag

The journey for Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026 has not been without its challenges. After being purchased for such a significant sum, there were high expectations from the fans and management alike. However, the team dynamics initially saw him sidelined as the franchise preferred Devdutt Padikkal in the starting XI. For a player of Iyer’s caliber, sitting on the bench can be a test of mental fortitude.

The opportunity finally presented itself during a crucial encounter against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), following an injury to Rajat Patidar. Iyer didn’t just fill a gap; he seized the moment to justify his 7 crore price tag. On a surface that offered plenty for the batters, Iyer unleashed a masterclass in power hitting, scoring an unbeaten 73 off just 40 deliveries. With a strike rate of 182, he provided the necessary impetus to the RCB innings, proving that he is far more than just a squad player.

The Kohli-Iyer Partnership: A Tactical Masterclass

What made Iyer’s performance even more special was the man at the other end of the crease. Batting alongside Virat Kohli, Iyer found a mentor and a partner who helped him navigate the pressures of a must-win game. The duo’s aggressive approach put the Punjab Kings’ bowlers on the back foot from the outset. Kohli’s ability to rotate the strike and pick gaps allowed Iyer to play his natural game, resulting in a formidable total of 222 runs.

After the match, which RCB won by 23 runs to clinch a vital playoff spot, Iyer was vocal about the impact Kohli had on his innings. “I was lucky that Virat Kohli was batting out there with me,” Iyer remarked. “He gave me a few key pointers and gave me valuable advice during the batting—he kept helping me.” This on-field mentorship is a testament to why many players, including Iyer, still view Kohli as a leader in every sense of the word, regardless of whether he carries the official title of captain.

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

With RCB officially qualifying for the playoffs, the synergy between seasoned veterans like Kohli and dynamic match-winners like Venkatesh Iyer will be the cornerstone of their campaign. Iyer’s emergence as a reliable middle-order force provides RCB with the depth they have often lacked in previous seasons. As the tournament moves into the knockout stages, the guidance provided by Kohli will remain instrumental. For Venkatesh Iyer, he may not be playing under ‘Captain Kohli’ in the official records, but he is certainly experiencing the leadership that he so long admired from afar.