New Delhi. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spent Rs 7 crore for Venkatesh Iyer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction but former captain Anil Kumble believes that it will be difficult for the fast bowling all-rounder to get a place in the eleven in the initial phase of this lucrative T20 league. Reigning champions RCB had overtaken Iyer’s former team Kolkata Knight Riders to sign the player in the auction earlier this month. The franchise further strengthened its squad by purchasing several players including Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav in the auction held in Abu Dhabi on 16 December.
‘GeoStar’ expert Kumble said, “It will be difficult for Venkatesh Iyer to make a place in the starting eleven. You don’t want to create doubt in the winning team. Due to this thinking, the franchise did not bid on Ravi Bishnoi so that Suyyash Sharma does not feel threatened by any experienced Indian spinner.
He said, “RCB thought that Iyer would be bought by some other franchise by bidding higher but it did not happen, so they are happy to get Venkatesh Iyer.” Under the captaincy of Kumble, RCB became the runner-up of the 2009 season. He became the head coach of this team in 2011. The experienced player said that the franchise has done a good job by retaining the core players of the IPL-winning team. Former Indian batsman Sanjay Bangar also said that questions may arise whether Iyer will get a place in the starting eleven or not but the team has a great option.
He said, “Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Venkatesh Iyer since last season. He is consistently performing well and his confidence is clearly visible. Batting coach Dinesh Karthik and Malolan Rangarajan, who scouts talent for RCB, have a good option in Iyer. There is little doubt about his place in the eleven in the initial matches because it is a stable team, Bangar said. They wanted a left-handed batsman and they got it. They can use Venkatesh the way they used Krunal Pandya last season. Due to Krunal’s brilliant play, the team did not feel the lack of a top spinner. Suyyash Sharma’s session was also good.
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