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Venkatesh Iyer lands at RCB for INR7 crore in the IPL 2026 auction - fans chant "Steal Khel Gye Guru"

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 6:23 GMT by sportskeeda.com
      Locale: Karnataka, INDIA

Venkatesh Iyer lands at RCB for ₹7 crore in the IPL 2026 auction – a deal that has fans chanting “Steal Khel Gye Guru”

When the Rajasthan Royals announced their 2026 auction list last week, the headline‑grabber was the headline‑buster that followed: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) sealed a 7‑crore‑rupee contract with the flamboyant opener Venkatesh Iyer. The news sent RCB’s social‑media channels into a frenzy, with fans on Twitter and Instagram chanting “Steal Khel Gye Guru” – a popular Malayalam phrase meaning “the game has been stolen by the guru.” The auction result was seen not just as a financial transaction, but as a statement of intent from the Bangalore franchise, and it has sparked a wave of speculation, discussion, and celebration across the IPL fan‑base.

The auction that changed everything

The 2026 IPL auction was held at the Sports Authority of India in New Delhi on 6 March 2026. It was a high‑stakes event, with 15 franchises competing for 44 slots and a total purse of ₹2 billion. RCB’s strategy was clear: invest heavily in players who could change the complexion of the team in a single innings. With their recent loss in the 2025 final, the franchise needed a spark – and Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive batting style seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Iyer’s auction price – ₹7 crore – broke the previous record for an Indian opener and was one of the highest bids of the auction. It placed him ahead of the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammad Shami. The bid was announced in a live press conference where RCB chairman Anand Shukla said, “Venkatesh is a player who can turn the game in a matter of minutes. He is a brand and a commodity for us.”

Venkatesh Iyer – a brief career snapshot

Venkatesh Iyer, who made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2019, has emerged as one of the most exciting batsmen in the league. Over the past five seasons, he has scored 1,021 runs in 46 matches, averaging 27.8 with 5 centuries and 5 half‑centuries. He has been praised for his ability to dominate bowlers from the very first ball, a trait that has made him a fan favourite in the Indian Premier League.

Iyer’s most memorable innings came in 2023, where he scored a blistering 110 off 51 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. The innings earned him “Player of the Match” and catapulted him into the top 10 IPL batting charts that season. His performances have also earned him a call‑up to the India ODI squad, where he made his debut in the 2023 series against Australia.

How the 7‑crore bid fits into RCB’s broader strategy

RCB’s owner, Rahul Dravid, has long talked about building a team that can “break the mold” – a team that can change the course of a match with a single bat or ball. In the 2025 auction, RCB spent ₹12 crore on Yashasvi Jaiswal, an under‑18 prodigy, and ₹10 crore on a foreign all‑rounder. The new bid on Iyer is part of a pattern: investing heavily in proven performers who bring both skill and brand value.

A statement released by the RCB management said that the franchise is “aiming to build a team that can win from the very first ball.” They added that the investment in Iyer “is a testament to our belief in the young talents who are set to lead the franchise into the future.” Analysts predict that Iyer will play a pivotal role in RCB’s campaign, especially as a left‑hander who can open and anchor the innings.

Fan reaction – from “Steal Khel Gye Guru” to viral memes

Within minutes of the announcement, Twitter was flooded with hashtags such as #VenkateshIyer #StealKhelGyeGuru #RCB2026. A viral meme circulated showing Iyer lifting a trophy with the caption “When you win the auction and the trophy together.” Fans also pointed to the 7‑crore bid as a “steal” – not because the price was low, but because of the value Iyer brings.

Sportskeeda’s own commentary section included a piece titled “What Steal Khel Gye Guru?” explaining the phrase’s origin. The phrase is a Malayalam idiom used to describe a situation where a person “steals the game.” Fans from Kerala, where Iyer’s mother is from, used it to express how they felt the auction had gone in RCB’s favour. Some Twitter users quoted Iyer’s own tweet: “Thrilled to join RCB. Let’s break records! #StealKhelGyeGuru.” The reaction showcased the intersection of sports, culture, and social media.

A look ahead

The 2026 season promises to be a thrilling one for RCB supporters. With Venkatesh Iyer now part of the squad, RCB has a proven batsman who can change the course of a match in a matter of overs. The franchise’s management hopes that the combination of Iyer’s aggressive opening, Yashasvi’s youthful exuberance, and a core of experienced players will yield a title.

For Iyer, the new contract is a milestone. It solidifies his status as one of the most sought‑after players in the IPL and gives him a platform to further his international career. In a league where player contracts often change season to season, a 7‑crore deal is a vote of confidence that could define the next chapter of his career.

In the words of RCB’s coach, “We’re not just building a team – we’re building a legacy. Iyer brings the spark that we need.”

Key Takeaways

• Venkatesh Iyer was purchased by RCB for ₹7 crore in the 2026 IPL auction.
• The deal was hailed as a “steal” by fans, with the phrase “Steal Khel Gye Guru” going viral.
• Iyer’s IPL stats include 1,021 runs in 46 matches, with 5 centuries.
• RCB’s strategy focuses on high‑impact players to change the course of the game.
• Fans and analysts view the bid as a bold move that could shape RCB’s future.

As the IPL calendar moves closer to the 2026 season, RCB’s gamble on Iyer will be a story worth following. The question remains: will the investment pay off in the form of titles and record-breaking performances? One thing is clear – the Indian Premier League will not be the same without the flair of Venkatesh Iyer.