A few days ago IPL 2026 continues, reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a major setback. Their left arm pacer Yash Dayal He will not be a part of the team this season, which has raised many questions among fans.
Putting an end to all speculations, RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat confirmed the news during the pre-tournament press conference. Although Dayal has signed a contract with the franchise, he will not participate in the upcoming campaign due to personal reasons.
Official confirmation about Yash Dayal from RCB camp
Addressing the situation, Bobat made it clear that the franchise has stood by Dayal all along and continues to support him. However, both sides agreed that walking away from the tournament was the right decision for now.
“Yash will not join the squad, as you know, he is currently going through a personal situation” Bobat said. “Just to be clear, we’ve been very supportive of Yash to date and that’s reflected in keeping him when we have the opportunity to keep him. And he remains under contract.”
He further added: “We have been in regular contact with him and I spoke to him today as well. However, it was decided that joining the team was not in his best interest or that of the franchise at this time.”
Bobat also revealed that RCB is prepared for such a scenario while planning its squad. “We went to auction planning for the worst case scenario” he said.
Dayal’s absence is a significant blow to the team, especially considering his contribution in the title-winning IPL 2025 campaign. The left-arm seamer took 13 wickets and brought balance to the bowling unit with his ability to swing the ball and deliver at tight times.
Although the franchise chose not to go into details, describing it as a “personal situation,” von Dayal is facing serious legal issues. Reports suggest that he is currently busy with multiple cases, including one in Ghaziabad in connection with allegations of exploitation on the pretext of marriage.
Another case filed in Jaipur under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act is more serious, involving allegations from a minor. In December 2025, a special POCSO court rejected his pending bail plea citing the gravity of the case and the ongoing investigation.
These developments took him away from competitive cricket for a while. He missed the UP T20 League and has not played a match since the IPL 2025 final. There are also reports that government agencies are finding it difficult to contact him for election discussions.
Also READ: RCB legend Virat Kohli reacts to ‘charter flight to London’ rumors ahead of IPL 2026
A ripple effect in RCB’s bowling plans
For RCB, this situation creates a ripple effect in their bowling plans. Dayal’s absence leaves a void in the pace attack, especially with Australian quick Josh Hazlewood expected to miss the early part of the tournament due to injury concerns.
The team will now rely on experienced names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with young Indian pacers like Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh and Mangesh Yadav. Their overseas options include Jacob Duffy, Nuwan Thoughara and all-rounder Romario Shepherd.
Adding to the difficulty, RCB cannot bring in a replacement for Dayal as he is still officially under contract. This limits their flexibility and puts more pressure on the existing bowlers to step up.
As the team prepares to begin its title defense on March 28 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes will be on how they manage this unexpected setback. While the squad still has depth, losing a proven performer like Dayal so early in the season is far from ideal.
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