Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s near-miss in securing Venkatesh Iyer during the IPL 2025 auction may, in hindsight, look like a blessing in disguise. However, RCB head coach Andy Flower has made it clear that the franchise genuinely valued the all-rounder’s potential. RCB pursued Iyer aggressively, going up to ₹23.50 crore before losing him to Kolkata Knight Riders, who bid ₹23.75 crore and named him vice-captain.
The hefty price tag turned into a burden for KKR, with Iyer enduring a forgettable campaign, scoring just 142 runs in 11 innings. Meanwhile, RCB channelled their funds more effectively. They snapped up Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for ₹12.50 crore and explosive English opener Phil Salt for ₹11.50 crore—both of whom played instrumental roles in RCB’s maiden IPL title triumph.
Hazlewood’s 22 wickets and Salt’s 403 runs proved pivotal in RCB’s charge to the top. On the other hand, Iyer’s lack of form contributed heavily to KKR’s struggles, culminating in a disappointing eighth-place finish and playoff elimination. Once seen as a future leader for the franchise, Iyer’s performances didn’t justify the investment.
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He had been a crucial part of KKR’s title-winning 2024 campaign, scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 158.79, which had raised expectations for the 2025 season. Despite his underwhelming returns, Andy Flower believes things might have turned out differently had Iyer donned RCB’s red and gold.
“We really rated Venky highly—that’s why we went so hard for him. We saw him as a key Indian player in our core. A dynamic left-hander in the top order is invaluable. We didn’t get him, but I believe he could’ve had a great season with us,” Andy Flower told ESPNcricinfo.
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Iyer, once viewed as a contender to replace Shreyas Iyer as KKR captain, now finds his position under scrutiny. Instead, the franchise handed the reins to Ajinkya Rahane. The defending champions’ fall from grace has sparked criticism, but Iyer may yet find a way back—especially if he can regain the form that made him a star in 2024.
