Playing just his fourth game in IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) allrounder Venkatesh Iyer hit an unbeaten 40-ball 73 against Punjab Kings. He was adjudged Player of the Match for a knock that took RCB to 222 for 4 on a sluggish Dharamsala pitch, and said after the 23-run win that took his side into the playoffs that he “had the freedom to go after the bowling”.

“Technically, it’s my second [third] game,” Iyer said after the match. In his previous three games, he had only batted twice: he made 29* off 15 against Rajasthan Royals, and 12 in 15 against Gujarat Titans. “This the first time I… got to bat [for a long innings]. Yeah, so that’s the more pleasing thing than getting a Man-of-the-Match [award]. And also, two points.”

Against PBKS, Iyer came in to bat at No. 4, the highest he has batted this season, with more than ten overs remaining . He hit eight fours and four sixes during his innings, and accelerated in the death overs.

“Yeah, I’d lie if I say that I was not frustrated, or you know, not wanting to play [for RCB this season]. I was really wanting to go out there and play, because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL [that counts],” Iyer said. “We want to play, we want to do well. But I do understand. I’ve been here for long [enough] to understand that this is a champion team, and to tinker with a combination is not always right. But I always [asked] the coaching staff to make me play, and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity.”

Iyer’s opportunities in recent IPL seasons have been restricted because of the Impact Player rule, which means teams find it tricky to fit in his all-round skills to balance out their line-up. He has played as a specialist batter for RCB, and not bowled his medium pace in any of his four games.

During the knock against PBKS, he had a 60-run partnership in 35 balls for the third wicket with Virat Kohli. “I think [my innings] was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli,” he said. “So obviously the mindset… the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you: I think [with] all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication. That’s the key, right? If you’re able to communicate well to your partner because it’s two people out there who are scoring runs together for the team. So that was the key.”

“I’ve played after a long time in this season. I actually needed those first few balls, just to get into the groove. And once I understood the wicket, I had the freedom to go after the bowling, and I think it was good for me.”

RCB next play their final group stage match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Hyderabad, on May 22.