RCB Coach Andy Flower Says Venkatesh Iyer Showed Incredible Patience and Professionalism

Even after suffering defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the head coach of, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Andy Flower, had positive words about Venkatesh Iyer.

Venkatesh Iyer, who had played for KKR in the previous year’s IPL, had been purchased by RCB this year for ₹7 crore. As RCB were last year's champions, they did not make many changes to their successful playing XI. As a result, Venkatesh was left out of the playing XI in the opening matches.

3️⃣6️⃣ out of his quick 4️⃣4️⃣ from last evening came in boundaries. ⚡

????? ????’s fiery start was OP. ?#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 #SRHvRCB pic.twitter.com/xiQlxnAzKI

expand_more Read More

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 23, 2026

Venkatesh made an impact when he was fielded as an impact player against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Then, when captain Rajat Patidar was injured against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Venkatesh was given the opportunity at number 4. There, he played a blistering innings of 73 runs in 40 balls and won the Player of the Match award. Although RCB lost the match by 55 runs while chasing a mammoth target of 256 against Hyderabad on Friday, Venkatesh, who came in as an opener, smashed 44 runs in just 19 balls.

That. Was. Some. Shot. ?? pic.twitter.com/Weq2XqNSfC — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 22, 2026

After the match, RCB head coach Andy Flower praised Venkatesh highly. He said, "I have a lot of respect for Venkatesh. He waited patiently for his opportunity." Whether it's as an impact player, in the middle order, or opening the innings, he's grabbed every opportunity with both hands. His attitude has been incredible throughout the season.' Flower added, 'He's played for India, he's a big player, yet sitting in the dugout isn't easy. But he always has a big smile on his face. He's worked tirelessly on his batting, bowling, and fielding in every practice session.'

Venkatesh was also a little upset by this wait. He himself admitted, 'I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated. For players like us, playing and performing in the IPL is the most important thing. But I understand this is a champion team, and it wasn't right to disrupt the combination.'