Venkatesh Iyer is set for a new chapter in IPL 2026, having been roped in by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for RS 7 crore at the Abu Dhabi mini-auction. The contest saw Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans initiate proceedings before RCB outlasted Kolkata Knight Riders, who exited at RS 6.80 crore.
The move brings Iyer alongside Rajat Patidar, his long-time Madhya Pradesh teammate and current RCB skipper.Following their landmark title win in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru have chosen continuity at the top while reinforcing versatility throughout the lineup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru further bolstered their squad by signing New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy at his base price of RS 2 crore.
Players signed at the auction
Venkatesh Iyer for RS 7 crore
Jacob Duffy for RS 2 crore
Present squad and retained members: Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, and Suyash Sharma.
Players released: Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi and Mohit Rathee.