Pre-season training camps are usually full of work, drills, fitness sessions, tactical discussions and a lot of hard work behind closed doors. But every now and then, a moment comes along that captures the spirit of a locker room better than any press conference. That’s exactly what happened Royal Challengers Bengaluru pre-season networks when a short clip posted on RCB’s official social media stopped cricket fans in their tracks.
Venkatesh Iyer’s move to RCB and what he brings to the table
Venkatesh Iyer was picked up by RCB for ₹7 crore too IPL 2026 auctionhas previously been a key part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup. During his time KKRplayed 62 matches and scored a goal 1,468 runs as left-handed, on average a strike rate 137.32 a century with 12 fifties to his name.
But what always makes Iyer interesting is that he is not just a beater. His ability to bat at decent pace and contribute with the ball adds a layer of flexibility that any T20 side appreciates. RCB head coach Andy Flower Already, Iyer’s all-round utility has been highlighted as crucial to the team’s balance, and judging by network footage, Iyer is taking that responsibility seriously.
Virat Kohli calls Iyer as Allan Donald
Iyer was seen bowling in the nets and nailing a pinpoint yorker that sent the stumps flying. It’s nothing more than standing nearby and watching her progress Virat Kohlihe immediately reacts with a smile and drops a reference that no Indian cricket fan will miss. Kohli called out to Iyer “Venkateshwar to me, you are Allan Donald.” – comparing him to the South African pace legend in the middle of a training session.
We present the video:
Wake up 12th Man Army, a new moniker has dropped. 🤭🤭
Watch the video for what VK said. 😂🔥
Introducing the Emmvee RCB Shorts.#PlayBold #OurRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/GjhdlJv2TM
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026
Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
RCB will start their IPL 2026 campaign against SRH
For those unfamiliar with the name Allan Donald regarded as one of the most feared fast bowlers to play this game. South African, nicknamed “White Lightning”, In the 1990s and early 2000s, he terrorized batsmen with his powerful pace, accuracy and ability to produce sharp bounce on any surface. He took 330 Test wickets and was instrumental in South Africa’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse after his return to international cricket.
So when Kohli, who has faced the world’s best bowlers across formats, casually drops the name while watching a net session, it’s not something you brush aside. It was obviously not in good humour, but the point was clear: Iyer was bowling with enough real pace and accuracy to earn a reaction from one of cricket’s most competitive minds.
RCB begin their title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this Saturday and if the energy from their pre-season camp is anything to go by, the defending champions head into IPL 2026 on a very good pitch.
Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad hints at a new opening pair for CSK in IPL 2026
