India, Dec. 16 -- Venkatesh Iyer sent a significant message to franchise owners ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder smacked 70 off 43 balls (packed with eight fours and two sixes) in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025 Super League Group A fixture against Punjab, on Tuesday.

At the mini auction, scheduled for Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, Iyer will be the star attraction after getting released by KKR. Iyer was disappointing in IPL 2025, managing only 142 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 139.22, which eventually led to KKR releasing him.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Anil Kumble suggested that RCB acquire Iyer in the upcoming mini auction. "I think so. I think Venkatesh here certainly brings in that flexi...