Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has been handed a significant leadership responsibility soon after the IPL 2026 mini-auction, underlining the continued faith in his abilities despite a relatively underwhelming IPL 2025 season.
The left-handed batter has been appointed captain of the Madhya Pradesh team for the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day tournament, which begins on December 24.
The decision marks an important phase in Iyer’s domestic career and could play a crucial role in shaping his future ambitions at the national level.
Leadership Boost After IPL 2026 Auction
Venkatesh Iyer’s captaincy appointment comes just days after he was one of the notable names at the IPL 2026 auction. The all-rounder attracted strong interest from multiple franchises, reflecting his continued value in the T20 ecosystem.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) eventually secured Iyer’s services for ₹7 crore, outbidding Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR pushed the bidding up to ₹6.80 crore before pulling out, signalling how keen franchises were to bring Iyer into their squads.
The successful bid by RCB and the immediate leadership role in domestic cricket together suggest that teams and selectors alike still see long-term potential in the Madhya Pradesh star.
Venkatesh Iyer Takes Charge of Madhya Pradesh
Iyer will replace Rajat Patidar as captain of the Madhya Pradesh side for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Patidar’s absence from the squad has surprised many, especially considering his recent success.
Patidar led Royal Challengers Bangalore to the IPL 2025 title and also oversaw strong performances by Madhya Pradesh in both the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Given those results, his omission from the Vijay Hazare setup has sparked discussions among fans and experts.
However, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association appears keen to groom Venkatesh Iyer as a long-term leader, especially in the 50-over format.
Recent Domestic Form and Performance
Earlier this season, Madhya Pradesh reached the Super League stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, although they failed to make it to the final. Venkatesh Iyer featured in 10 matches during the tournament and scored 211 runs, contributing both with the bat and as a senior figure in the dressing room.
While those numbers may not be extraordinary, Iyer’s experience at the IPL and international level likely played a role in the decision to hand him the captaincy.
Selectors believe that his calm temperament, game awareness, and all-round capabilities make him a suitable leader for the one-day format, where adaptability and tactical clarity are key.
A Crucial Tournament for Venkatesh Iyer
The Vijay Hazare Trophy could prove to be a defining tournament for Venkatesh Iyer. A strong showing with both bat and leadership could put him back in contention for national selection, especially with the Indian team continuing to evaluate all-round options across formats.
With several Indian stars expected to participate in domestic cricket this season, the competition level will be extremely high. The presence of players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is expected to bring added attention and intensity to the tournament.
Leading Madhya Pradesh in such a competitive environment will be a major test of Iyer’s leadership credentials.
Spotlight on Domestic Cricket Grows
The inclusion of high-profile international players in domestic tournaments aligns with the BCCI’s recent push to strengthen India’s domestic structure. With national selection increasingly linked to domestic performances, tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy are once again becoming key stages for players to prove their worth.
For Venkatesh Iyer, this captaincy is more than just a leadership tag—it is an opportunity to reinvent himself, silence critics, and demonstrate consistency in the longer white-ball format.
Madhya Pradesh Squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26
Madhya Pradesh will field a balanced squad combining youth and experience:
Madhya Pradesh Squad: Venkatesh Iyer (captain), Harsh Gawli, Himanshu Mantri, Yash Dubey, Shubham Sharma, Harpreet Singh, Rishabh Chauhan, Ritik Tada, Kumar Kartikeya, Saransh Jain, Shivang Kumar, Aryan Pandey, Rahul Batham, Tripuresh Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Madhav Tiwari.
With Venkatesh Iyer at the helm, Madhya Pradesh will aim for a deep run in the tournament and possibly a title push.
What Lies Ahead
As the Vijay Hazare Trophy gets underway, all eyes will be on how Venkatesh Iyer handles the dual responsibility of performance and leadership. Success here could redefine his career trajectory and strengthen his case as a reliable all-round leader in Indian cricket’s domestic circuit.
For now, the captaincy appointment stands as a clear vote of confidence—and a chance for Iyer to lead from the front when it matters most.