The No. 3 position for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 is now one of the most coveted spots on the team. After an injury-ridden season in which he was electrifying, Devdutt Padikkal has exploded onto the scene with 721 runs in just 8 matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (average 103) while RCB recently invested ₹7 cr. on Venkatesh Iyer, who also possesses the ability to flip a match with his play.
Irony? Padikkal hardly played half of last seasons IPL yet he was the one that carried the RCB team to 3 with a total of 247 runs strike rate of over 150 now with Venky into the picture it is going to be interesting for RCB to figure out if they want to go with the player who has shown his ability in Domestic cricket or take a chance on what a player has done in the IPL. It is not just about the numbers; it is about getting some momentum going and building confidence while also making sure the player fits tactically.
Padikkal’s Momentum Is Hard To Ignore
Devdutt Padikkal has continued to be on a roll since IPL 2025. He was unbelievable in the SMAT 2025-26, scoring 309 runs in six games while batting at an incredible strike rate of 167. The 309 runs were comprised of one hundred and two fifty’s. He then went on to have an incredible run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 721 runs in eight matches with an average above 100, and scoring four centuries and two fifties. Those are numbers, but they represent something bigger than that. They represent a player who is in rhythm, and when a player is in rhythm, they don’t just bat; they dictate the pace of the game and put pressure on the bowler by making them commit errors and provide stability to the batting lineup.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Versatility Ups The Stakes
Venkatesh Iyer is no slouch. Known for his all-round contributions, Venky can adapt anywhere, anchoring the innings or accelerating when needed. In domestic circuits like SMAT and VHT 2025-26, he’s shown he can play both the calculated anchor and the high-risk aggressor. That adaptability is precisely why RCB shelled out ₹7 crore. But here’s the catch: Padikkal thrives as the defined number three, and Venky’s flexibility could either complement or conflict with him. The coaching staff must now weigh pure form against strategic versatility. It’s a classic IPL conundrum: do you reward domestic dominance or pay for multi-dimensional firepower?
Team Dynamics and IPL Psychology
The maturity Padikkal shows when discussing competition (and Venky) is truly refreshing: “There will always be competition. Venky is a great player. Hopefully, we can both add to that.” This adds a new, lesser-known layer to this aspect of the IPL. The IPL is not simply about how much you possess in terms of natural ability; it’s also about how well you manage your self-confidence, ego, and mental toughness. In addition to having an explosive top order, there needs to be harmony in the top order as well as clear definitions for each member of the top order with respect to their roles. Who will anchor the top order? Who will accelerate? Who will thrive when pressured? As such, numbers represent one important part of success in this regard, while mindset represents another.
Key Takeaway
Padikkal’s form versus Iyer’s versatility: RCB’s top-order drama could define IPL 2026.
FAQs
- Why is number three so crucial in IPL line-ups?
Number three balances stability and aggression, often dictating the innings’ tempo.
- How has Padikkal performed recently in domestic cricket?
He scored 721 runs in eight VHT matches at an average of 103, including four centuries.
- Will Venkatesh Iyer automatically play at three?
Not necessarily; his role depends on team balance and tactical flexibility.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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