Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the first confirmed spot in this year’s IPL play-offs after a 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, and it was Venkatesh Iyer – playing only his fourth match of the season – who made the difference with an unbeaten 73 from 40 balls.
The left-hander walked in at No.4 with a shade more than ten overs left, yet still hammered eight fours and four sixes on a pitch that never looked straightforward. His effort pushed RCB to 222 for 4, a total that proved too steep for Punjab despite a late charge.
“Technically, it’s my second [third] game,” he said afterwards, a wry smile suggesting he knows the numbers better than the scorebook. “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.”
Strictly speaking he had batted twice before: 29 not out from 15 balls against Rajasthan and a scratchy 12 versus Gujarat. The gap between outings has grated. “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],” he admitted. “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.”
Opportunity came courtesy of the Impact Player rule – or, more accurately, despite it. Line-ups have become tightly choreographed this season, leaving seam-bowling all-rounders such as Iyer stuck on the bench unless the exact balance is required. RCB used him purely as a batter again, yet head coach Sanjay Bangar called the innings “remarkable”, pointing out that Punjab tried to cramp him with slower balls before he found a method to counter.
Iyer’s partnership with Virat Kohli – 60 from 35 deliveries – gave the visitors a platform. “I think [my innings] was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli,” he explained. “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.”
Once settled he shifted gears. “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, now safely through, finish their group programme against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 22 May. Iyer isn’t guaranteed a spot, but it would take a brave selector to bench a man who has just dragged his side across the line.
