Will Venkatesh Iyer play tonight in RCB vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?

Venkatesh Iyer was benched in RCB’s opening match against SRH.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru received an entire week off to play their second consecutive match at home. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host a marquee clash of IPL 2026 between two of the most followed franchises.

RCB enter after convincingly beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener. It was Jacob Duffy who stepped up in Josh Hazlewood’s absence to give his team the ideal start. While their opponents managed to post a score of around 200, it was another chasing masterclass from Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal supported him very well.

CSK have a lot to worry about, as they are yet to open their account this season after losing their first two matches. They failed to defend a 200+ target in their own backyard, and it will be a quick turnaround for them as they prepare for this all-important Southern Derby.

Historically, this rivalry has been in CSK‘s favour, but RCB have dominated the last few matches and currently have won three matches in a row against Chennai.

Will Venkatesh Iyer play tonight against CSK?

One of RCB‘s biggest strengths, which make them a formidable contender, is the depth in their batting and strong options available on the bench. Venkatesh Iyer, who previously played for KKR, had been released ahead of the 2026 auction due to poor returns and a dip in form.

KKR had won their third title in 2024. A poor campaign in the 2024 edition saw several big changes, including releasing Iyer, who scored just 142 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 20.28.

RCB managed to acquire his services for INR 7 Cr, after having gone up to 23 Cr in the 2025 mega auction before being outbid by KKR. However, Iyer was not included in RCB’s playing XI in their first match against the Orange Army.

Instead, they preferred local lad Devdutt Padikkal ahead of the all-rounder, a decision which worked wonders as Padikkal was in red-hot form, smashing 61 runs off just 26 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes.

His performance validates the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s management decision, and Padikkal is all set to keep playing ahead of Iyer. Meanwhile, Venky will have to wait for his chance.

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