Venkatesh Iyer opens up on RCB bench time, reveals clarity from coaching staff

BENGALURU: Behind the calm, composed exterior of Venkatesh Iyer lies a cricketer clear in thought, confident in his craft and unwavering in his team-first approach. Over five seasons, Iyer featured in 62 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders before being released and picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the mini-auction for Rs 7 crore —Rs 16.75 crore less than his previous price. The move has also brought a shift in role. From being a regular at KKR, the all-rounder has featured in just one game in RCB's first six matches of the season, spending most of his time on the sidelines.

While it is an unfamiliar situation, Iyer has taken it in his stride. "It definitely plays on the mind. I'm not used to sitting out, but that's okay. This is a professional sport. As someone who places the team above everything else, it's my duty to adhere to the environment," Iyer said during a select media interaction here on Wednesday. He attributes his limited opportunities to a settled combination: "We're defending champions. So to tinker with a combination that has won you a championship is not always the smartest move. So as someone who's walked into a team, it's my duty to first understand the dynamics of the team and to know what role I can play," the southpaw added.

The transition, according to Iyer, has been made easy by the clarity offered by the coaching staff. "Credit for that has to go to Mo [Bobat], Andy [Flower], and DK [Dinesh Karthik]. They've been amazing when it comes to conversations about what my role in the team is. They've given me absolute clarity. And sitting outside does not mean that I'm not a part of their plans. It's definitely a matter of when rather than if," the 31-year-old said.

Staying mentally ready, however, is the real challenge. "To be honest, it's hard. It's something that you can't prepare for. But I'm a practical person, I know how things work. When I look at the team, I know that there's a realistic chance that I can be benched. It's extremely important to stay motivated, as you can easily become desperate. You can easily lose out on your work ethic," he stated. "I train my mind in such a way that I'm going to play every game," Iyer added.

THE KKR CONNECT

KKR letting go of him, Iyer admitted to being hurt, but team dynamics, he believes, was the reason for it. "I did feel bad, but there was amazing communication between Abhishek Nayar (then KKR coach) and me. He wanted to release me and told me what the team requires, and you can get anything done out of me if it's good for the team," Iyer said.

THE RED BALL ROMANTIC

Amid the glitz of the IPL, one item Iyer ensures is always in his kit bag is a red ball. The medium pacer has featured in 34 first-class matches, bowling over 220 overs and picking up 20 wickets, but believes there is more to offer in the longer format. Iyer, who was not a part of the Madhya Pradesh team when they last won the Ranji Trophy in the 2021-22 season, is keen to improve his red-ball skills. "One thing that I really feel that I haven't tapped into, and I have the ability to do, is my red ball bowling. I believe that I can contribute extensively with my red ball. So I make it a point, whichever team I go to, I try to identify someone who has played a lot of red ball cricket. Last year, I had Mitchell Starc (in KKR) . This year, I have Josh Hazlewood. My conversations with them are about how I can improve my red ball bowling."

With the Impact Player rule limiting his bowling opportunities in the IPL, Iyer has made peace with his role. "I know I won't be bowling four overs. If I get two overs, it's going to be a lucky day for me," he admitted. But it's the red cherry that he wants to prove himself with, and that desire is tied to a team dream. "I have conversations with Hazlewood as to how to improve my red ball bowling because I want to go back home and win the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh once again. I know that I can do it with the ball in hand. So every year I turn up [for the IPL], I have a red ball in my kit bag. I make it a point that I take a couple of sessions of fast bowling with a Test legend."

For now, Iyer continues to wait, watch and work for the moment his opportunity arrives.