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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has scripted history by winning back-to-back IPL titles, but for Venkatesh Iyer, the most unforgettable part of this journey was not just lifting the trophy itself. Iyer was completely amazed by the incredible passion of RCB fans throughout the season.
The left-handed batter joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026 after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders, with whom he won the IPL title in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
Venkatesh Iyer stunned by RCB fan craze
Recently, Venkatesh Iyer has opened up about the extraordinary support the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise receives across the country. The all-rounder said that the fan following of RCB is on a completely different level and unlike anything he had seen before in his career.
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The most surprising thing for Iyer was that RCB’s popularity is not limited to Bengaluru or Karnataka. He noted that whether it was Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, or Mumbai, the loyal fans of RCB have turned every stadium into their home ground and a sea of red and gold.
Venkatesh Iyer was quoted as saying by RevSportz: “And as far as the fans are concerned, I’ve played a few finals before. This one felt totally different, with due respect to Kolkata and other places. Fandom is something that I actually experienced when I came to Bengaluru. People from Delhi, Patna, Chennai, and even remote places are fans of RCB. And the love that RCB players, and even ex-players, get is really unbelievable.”
People are doing pujas and aartis for RCB: Venkatesh Iyer on fans’ unmatched passion
The 2026 season gave Iyer a chance to witness the emotional bond between RCB and its fans from close quarters, saying the emotions, love, and respect they gave to players is just unbelievable.
Iyer further said, “People are doing pujas and aartis for RCB so that RCB wins the final. People must have actually slept very peacefully last night, knowing that RCB had won. This is fandom on a very, very different level.”
“It’s something that I’ve never experienced before. So, I’m really happy that I was able to be a part of something extraordinary. As I told you, I’ve touched the trophy once. I know how it feels. I know how happy people are. But this was out of the world.”
Venkatesh Iyer makes bold claim on RCB’s coaching staff
On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer praised the Royal Challengers Bengaluru coaching staff for their constant support and dedication, saying they are the most hardworking coaching group he has ever worked with in his career so far. He also hailed Andy Flower for creating a winning culture in RCB.
Iyer said, as quoted by NDTV, “Best, best. They’ve been the best support staff I’ve played with purely in terms of communication and role clarity. Handling of players. Handling of situations. And also empowering the players to make decisions.”
Notably, Venkatesh played an important role in RCB’s successful title defense. He scored 209 runs at an impressive average of 52.25 and a strike rate of 186.60 in 7 games for the team this season.
