Venkatesh Iyer Reflects on Playing Under Virat Kohli’s Captaincy
The Enduring Legacy of Virat Kohli as RCB Captain
When the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made the bold decision to appoint a young Virat Kohli as their permanent captain in 2013, the cricketing world watched with bated breath. Over the following nine years, Kohli transformed the identity of the franchise. While an elusive IPL trophy remained just out of reach, including a memorable run to the 2016 final, his impact went far beyond silverware. Kohli’s tenure was defined by his ability to develop young talent and his unwavering passion, which turned him into a global icon for the Bengaluru faithful.
Even after his decision to step down from the captaincy in 2022 to focus on his role as a pure batter, the influence he wields over his teammates remains absolute. His legacy is not just measured in runs, but in the respect he commands from peers who grew up watching him lead with intensity and heart.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Candid Admission
The recent recruitment of all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer by RCB for a staggering 7 crore has proven to be a strategic masterstroke, even if it took time for the Madhya Pradesh batter to find his rhythm in the starting XI. In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Iyer was posed a fascinating question: which IPL captain would he have most loved to play under?
Despite the illustrious presence of serial winners like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the league’s history, Iyer’s answer was definitive. He bypassed the trophy-laden resume of others to name Virat Kohli. For a player of Iyer’s caliber to express such a desire speaks volumes about the aura and leadership qualities that Kohli continues to project, regardless of whether he is officially wearing the captain’s armband.
Furthermore, Iyer offered praise for his former leader, noting that Eoin Morgan remains the best captain he has personally played under during his tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the admiration for Kohli’s tactical mind and presence remains a recurring theme among the current RCB squad.
A Match-Winning Partnership
The true value of this mutual respect was put on display during the IPL 2026 fixture against the Punjab Kings. With Rajat Patidar sidelined due to injury, the stage was set for Venkatesh Iyer to make his mark. He did not waste the opportunity. Batting alongside the maestro himself, Iyer delivered a masterclass that ensured RCB’s qualification for the playoffs.
Iyer’s explosive knock of 73* off just 40 balls—at a blistering strike rate of 182—was the backbone of RCB’s formidable total of 222. Following the 23-run victory, Iyer was quick to credit the man at the other end. “I was lucky that Virat Kohli was batting out there with me,” Iyer reflected. “He gave me a few key pointers and gave me valuable advice during the batting—he kept helping me.”
Proving His Worth
The path to this moment was not entirely smooth for the left-hander. Having been benched for a significant portion of the season in favor of Devdutt Padikkal, there was inevitable pressure on Iyer to justify his 7-crore price tag. Patience, however, proved to be his greatest virtue. When the pressure was at its peak and a playoff spot was on the line, Iyer delivered exactly what the team required.
His ability to forge a partnership with Kohli and translate the legend’s advice into a match-winning performance highlights why he is considered such a vital asset for RCB. As the team moves into the playoff stage, the synergy between established icons like Kohli and hungry performers like Iyer will be the critical factor in their quest for that elusive first title. Whether or not he holds the official title of captain, Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of the team, and his influence continues to elevate everyone who walks onto the pitch alongside him.
