Devdutt Padikkal or Venkatesh Iyer! Who will bat at No. 3 for RCB against SRH in IPL 2026?
RCB bought Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are padding up to begin their campaign in the IPL 2026. They will lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match on March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB had a strong season last year and will aim to continue that form.
However, team selection has become slightly tricky this time. The squad has many match-winners. This has created a healthy but tough competition for places. One key question remains unanswered. Who will bat at No. 3 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru? The main contenders are Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer.
Devdutt Padikkal vs Venkatesh Iyer: Who Has the Edge?
Padikkal was one of RCB’s key players last season. He batted at No. 3 and played aggressive cricket. He scored 247 runs in 10 matches, and his strike rate was over 150. He helped RCB post strong scores on several occasions. He also scored two half-centuries.
Even though he missed some matches due to injury, his impact was clear. He gave momentum in the middle overs. He also looked in good form in domestic cricket recently. This adds to his confidence.
On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer had a tough IPL 2025 season with the Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored only 142 runs in 11 matches. His average was low. His batting position also kept changing. This affected his rhythm and performance.
In KKR, Iyer played several destructive knocks in the top middle order. RCB might consider him for the number 4 spot. Iyer is a talented all-rounder. He can be explosive on his day. But based on last season’s numbers, Padikkal looks more consistent.
RCB may also want to stick with their winning combination. Padikkal fits well at No. 3. He understands the role clearly. So, for the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Padikkal is likely to get the nod over Iyer.
Who is likely to bat at No. 3 for RCB in IPL 2026 opener?
Devdutt Padikkal is likely to bat at No. 3.
Why is Venkatesh Iyer not the first choice to bat at No. 3?
He had a poor IPL 2025 and struggled with form and fixed position.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.