RCB head coach Andy Flower applauded Venkatesh Iyer after RCB sealed their place in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Although RCB suffered a 55-run defeat to SRH on Friday, they still secured a top-two finish in the points table as well. Opening the batting, Iyer scored 44 off 19 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes before Eshan Malinga dismissed him as well.

“Look, I’ve got a lot of respect for Venkatesh Iyer (Venky). He’s had to wait for his chance, and every time he’s had a chance – either as an impact player when we’ve needed the extra batsman because we’ve got ourselves into some trouble in the innings, or in the last two matches when he’s been given a chance, first at No.4 in Dharamsala and then today opening the batting – he’s taken all of those chances,” Flower said in the post-match press conference.

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“So, his attitude throughout the season has been outstanding. I’ve got a lot of respect for a man that’s played a lot of IPL cricket, played for India, and was sitting on the sidelines waiting for his chance. He’s been in that dugout with a big smile on his face all the time. He’s practised hard every single session. He’s worked hard at his bowling, his fielding, and his batting. He’s been exemplary, to be honest, so a lot of respect for him,” Flower added.

In five matches this season, Iyer has scored 158 runs at an average of 79 and a strike-rate of 177.52 as well.