As Royal Challengers Bengaluru reflect on their rollercoaster IPL 2025 season, head coach Andy Flower has stirred some intrigue by stating that Kolkata Knight Riders’ all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer might have had a standout campaign if he had been part of the RCB setup. The remark came in a post-season discussion where Flower opened up about squad strategies, missed opportunities, and the players he admired from other franchises.
Venkatesh Iyer, who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 triumph, was one of the most impactful Indian all-rounders in the tournament. His performances with the bat, particularly in the middle and death overs, stood out as he combined power-hitting with game awareness. Add to that his handy contributions with the ball and sharp fielding, and Iyer emerged as a complete T20 package.
Flower, reflecting on the kind of balance Iyer brought to the KKR side, noted that a player of his calibre would have fit perfectly into RCB’s scheme of things. “Venkatesh is someone we’ve admired for a while. Watching him bat this season with that calm intent, I felt he would have had a really great season if he had played for us,” said Flower. He went on to suggest that Iyer’s ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed would have solved some of the middle-order inconsistency RCB experienced this season.
The Royal Challengers had a mixed season in 2025, with their top-heavy batting lineup heavily reliant on the form of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. While Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik had a few good outings, the lack of a reliable Indian middle-order all-rounder meant RCB often failed to finish games strongly or rebuild after early collapses. Flower pointed out that having a player like Iyer — who can bat in multiple positions, bowl medium pace, and bring energy on the field — would have given the team the versatility they lacked.
Interestingly, Iyer was never in the RCB squad, but the coach’s comment indicates that there might have been internal discussions or even interest in acquiring him had the opportunity arisen. Flower’s admiration for the KKR star also hints at the kind of profile RCB may target in future auctions — someone who brings flexibility, temperament, and utility across departments.
Venkatesh Iyer, for his part, has matured significantly over the last couple of IPL seasons. After a breakthrough year in 2021, his form dipped in the following seasons due to injuries and inconsistent roles. However, in 2025, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and guidance from KKR’s coaching staff, he rediscovered his rhythm. His 370+ runs at a healthy strike rate and timely wickets made him one of the most valuable Indian players of the season.
Flower’s comments also reignite the discussion around how team environments, coaching philosophies, and player roles can impact individual performance. “It’s not just about talent,” he said. “It’s about how that talent is used. I felt Venkatesh would have flourished in the role we envisioned for someone like him.”
With the mega auction looming in the near future, it will be interesting to see if RCB makes a serious play for Venkatesh Iyer or players of a similar mold. For now, Flower’s candid admission offers a glimpse into the strategic thinking at RCB and the kind of player profile they are craving to transform their fortunes.
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