Former cricketer calls RCB’s auction strategy a success after Venkatesh Iyer buy, ‘A big discount’
A former cricketer believes RCB’s IPL auction strategy paid off after they signed Venkatesh Iyer at what he called a very big discount.
Last Updated: 12.46 AM, Dec 19, 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned heads at the IPL 2026 mini-auction by securing Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore, a move that has been widely praised by former cricketers and experts as a shrewd piece of business.
While the price tag may not have matched Iyer’s peak valuation from previous years, the way RCB navigated the bidding reflects thoughtful strategy and value shopping in a compact auction environment. Former cricketer AB de Villiers spoke about the auction and how RCB got 'a discount' on buying Venkatesh Iyer.
"There was no panic at the auction and no surprise with it. They are the defending champions and there's reason for that and you don't want to change the winning recipe. Jordan Cox is a good signing. Bit of a backup. I don't know how much he will play but a very talented youngster. Venki Iyer is the big signing. They got him at a very big discount. The main one I want to talk about is Mangesh Yadav. Backup for Yash Dayal, maybe he will be more than a backup," he said on his YouTube channel.
"Also Jacob Duffy was a nice backup for Hazlewood. It is a championship winning squad. Maybe a little bit lacking in the X factor spin department. Would have been nice to see another wrist-spinner. But I feel RCB have a chance to defend the title," he added.
Is RCB's strategy effective?
RCB, the defending champion of IPL, have finally made an impact in the auction by grabbing one of the best players. Venkatesh Iyer was a hit in the IPL 2024 when KKR won the finals, however, he was extremely underutilised due to the impact player rule. But with RCB, the scene is going to be different. The player will be expected to bat in the middle order and will have the stage to impress everyone once again.
Meanwhile, RCB have a great bowling lineup as well with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and now, Jacob Duffy. After a long wait, the team finally looks balanced and they will look to retain the title in the upcoming season.
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