Summary
A lighthearted video featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Venkatesh Iyer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) player Akshat Raghuwanshi has gone viral on social media. During a practice session before their recent match, Raghuwanshi jokingly asked Iyer for a cricket bat, teasing him about his supposed wealth. Iyer playfully turned down the request and told the young player to ask Virat Kohli for a bat instead, claiming Kohli has many more to spare. This moment has captured the attention of fans who enjoy seeing the friendly side of players from rival teams.
Main Impact
This interaction highlights the strong bond and sense of humor shared by cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), even when they play for different franchises. While the competition on the field is intense, these "behind-the-scenes" moments show that the players maintain close friendships. For fans, such videos provide a rare look at the personal lives and personalities of their favorite stars, making the sport feel more human and relatable. It also brings attention to Venkatesh Iyer’s current role at RCB, where he is working hard to find a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
Key Details
What Happened
The event took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the home ground for RCB. Before the match against LSG, Akshat Raghuwanshi approached Venkatesh Iyer with a smile. He asked Iyer if he could have one of his bats. When Iyer jokingly refused, Raghuwanshi teased him by saying he is a "150 crore man" who cannot even give away one bat. The "150 crore" comment was clearly a joke, likely referring to the high valuations of IPL players or just a friendly exaggeration. Iyer laughed and pointed toward Virat Kohli, suggesting that the legendary batsman has a much larger collection of high-quality bats. Despite the initial refusal, the video ends with Raghuwanshi successfully getting a bat from Iyer.
Important Numbers and Facts
- Auction Price: Venkatesh Iyer was bought by RCB for Rs 7 crore during the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.
- Current Season: As of mid-April 2026, Iyer has only appeared in one match for RCB this season.
- Career Peak: His best statistical year was 2023, where he scored 404 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
- Title Winner: Iyer was a key part of the KKR team that won the IPL trophy in 2024.
- Debut Success: He made a huge impact in his first season in 2021, scoring 370 runs in just 10 games.
Background and Context
Venkatesh Iyer became a household name in 2021 when he helped KKR reach the IPL final with his aggressive batting. Over the years, he has been known for his ability to hit big sixes and provide a few overs of medium-pace bowling. However, his form has been up and down. After a difficult season in 2025 where he only scored 142 runs, KKR decided to release him. RCB saw his potential and picked him up in the 2026 auction to add depth to their batting order. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where this video was filmed, is famous for being a high-scoring ground, making it a place where every batsman wants to have the best possible equipment.
Public or Industry Reaction
Cricket fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have shared the clip widely. Many users found the "150 crore" joke particularly funny, noting how players often tease each other about their auction prices and lifestyle. Supporters of RCB were also happy to see the positive atmosphere within the camp, especially the respect shown toward Virat Kohli. Industry experts often note that these friendly interactions help lower the stress of a long and grueling tournament. It shows that despite the massive money involved in the league, the spirit of the game remains focused on sportsmanship and fun.
What This Means Going Forward
For Venkatesh Iyer, the challenge now is to break back into the RCB playing eleven. The team has been performing well, which makes it harder for players on the bench to get a chance. However, his positive attitude and bond with teammates like Virat Kohli suggest he is well-integrated into the squad. As the tournament progresses, injuries or changes in strategy might give him the opportunity he needs to prove his worth. For LSG’s Akshat Raghuwanshi, the new bat might bring some extra luck as his team looks to climb the points table. These small moments of sharing gear and jokes will continue to be a part of the IPL culture.
Final Take
The IPL is often viewed as a high-pressure business, but this interaction reminds us that it is also a community of athletes who grew up playing the same game. Venkatesh Iyer’s quick wit and his willingness to eventually share his gear show the character of the players involved. While the "150 crore" tag was just a joke, the value of these friendships is what truly enriches the league. Fans will be watching closely to see if Iyer can turn this positive energy into a match-winning performance on the field soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team does Venkatesh Iyer play for in IPL 2026?
Venkatesh Iyer currently plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after being purchased in the 2026 Mini Auction.
Why did Akshat Raghuwanshi call Iyer a "150 crore man"?
It was a joke made during a friendly conversation. While Iyer was bought for 7 crore, Raghuwanshi used a much higher number to tease him about being wealthy.
Did the LSG player actually get a bat?
Yes, the video shows that despite the joking refusal at first, Akshat Raghuwanshi did manage to get a bat from Venkatesh Iyer at the end of their meeting.
