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IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer shines in Rajat Patidar's absence
17 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hammered 222/4(20 overs) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026 at Dharamsala's HPCA Stadium.

The match witnessed stellar performances from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. While Kohli gave RCB a bright start, Venkatesh powered the finish.

The latter played only his fourth match of this season. He shone in the injured Rajat Patidar's absence.

Here are the key stats.

Venkatesh's blazing knock in Dharamsala
Knock

Venkatesh came in after Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli took RCB toward the 100-run mark. He struggled to connect at the outset while Kohli rotated the strike.

Venkatesh eventually found his rhythm by taking Yuzvendra Chahal to cleaners. While Kohli departed after the 150-run mark, Venkatesh's blazing knock took RCB past 220.

He returned unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls (8 fours and 4 sixes).