IPL 2026: Virender Sehwag Backs Venkatesh Iyer in RCB Top Orde, Says 'I Won't Drop Venkatesh Iyer For Phil Sal

Virender Sehwag has backed Venkatesh Iyer to keep a place in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru line-up, even after Phil Salt returns. Sehwag has pointed to Iyer’s recent impact in the IPL 2026 season, stressing that the batter delivers whenever RCB sends an urgent call, despite getting very few innings.

Iyer has gone to the crease only four times in 14 league games so far. RCB have mostly used Iyer as a late change, often when the side is already under pressure. Even with this tricky role, Iyer has stood out in several matches and has drawn praise from former players and analysts.

Venkatesh Iyer and Phil Salt selection debate at RCB in IPL 2026

The selection issue appears when Phil Salt becomes available again after a finger injury. Salt last turned out for RCB on April 18 against Delhi Capitals and then missed the following fixtures. Jacob Bethell opened during that period but did not score heavily, which later opened the door for Iyer at the top.

Sehwag has argued that Iyer’s strong form should protect the left-hander from being dropped when Salt returns. Instead, Sehwag has suggested that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma should move out if RCB want Salt back in the starting XI. Sehwag has noted that Jitesh’s recent performances have not matched expectations.

Sehwag explained that Iyer’s best record comes when batting high in the order, pointing to earlier success for Kolkata Knight Riders. For RCB in IPL 2026, Iyer has usually been held back, but one chance at number four against Punjab Kings changed that pattern and shifted public opinion towards the batter.

That Punjab clash came after captain Rajat Patidar picked up an injury, which forced RCB to reshuffle. Iyer walked in and hit 73 from 40 balls, steering a vital chase and playing a key role in the victory. The innings also showed Iyer could handle responsibility at a key position.

Venkatesh Iyer form boosts RCB options with Phil Salt return in IPL 2026

Earlier in the season, Iyer had already produced a rescue effort against Rajasthan Royals as an Impact substitute. RCB were struggling at 125/7 and needed a late lift. Iyer smashed 29 from 15 balls and pushed the total to 201/8, though Rajasthan still chased down the target to win the match.

Another strong knock arrived when Iyer opened in place of injured Jacob Bethell. Given a rare start at the top, Iyer struck 44 from only 19 balls. That surge gave RCB rapid momentum in a tall chase of 256 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, underlining the value of an aggressive left-hander early in the innings.

The key IPL 2026 batting contributions from Venkatesh Iyer for RCB so far are shown below.

Speaking on JioStar, Sehwag said, "Venkatesh Iyer is at his best when batting in the top order. He played his best knocks for KKR in that position. For RCB, he hasn't had many chances at his preferred spot. But when Rajat Patidar was injured, he came in at number four against Punjab and played a match-winning 73."

Sehwag then highlighted the Sunrisers Hyderabad game, stating, "Then against SRH, he opened the innings and played a quickfire 44, giving RCB the start they needed in a 256-run chase. Now, with Phil Salt returning to full fitness, the big question is whether Venkatesh will keep his place in the XI. It's a good problem for RCB to have.

Sehwag also discussed what RCB should do once Salt regains his place. "Iyer's intent against Hyderabad was spot on. When chasing 256, you need that kind of positive start, and he delivered. I wouldn't drop Iyer from the opening slot. Instead, I would replace Jitesh Sharma with Phil Salt. Jitesh is not in great form, and RCB have taken bold decisions before. If Salt has to come back, Jitesh should make way."

Across the IPL 2026 league stage, Iyer’s displays in limited outings have strengthened the case for a longer run in RCB’s top order. With Salt near fitness, team management must now decide whether to accept Sehwag’s view and retain Iyer while reshaping the rest of the batting group.