Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have confirmed that left-arm pacer Yash Dayal will not feature in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, citing a “personal situation” as the reason for his absence.
The announcement was made by RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat, who clarified that while the player remains under contract, he will not be part of the squad for the upcoming campaign.
Franchise confirms absence
Speaking to reporters, Bobat stated that Dayal is currently dealing with personal matters and will not join the team this season. The pacer’s absence had already sparked speculation after he was missing from the team’s training sessions ahead of the tournament.
“He remains under contract, but he won’t be with us this season,” Bobat said, putting an end to uncertainty surrounding the player’s status.
The development comes months after the franchise faced criticism for retaining Dayal ahead of the IPL auction despite the serious allegations against him.
Key player missing for RCB
Dayal played an important role in RCB’s successful 2025 campaign, picking up 13 wickets and contributing significantly to their title-winning run. His left-arm pace brought balance to the bowling attack, complementing senior players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya.
With his absence confirmed, the team will now have to restructure its bowling unit. Overseas players such as Josh Hazlewood and Romario Shepherd, along with other squad members, are expected to take on increased responsibility.
However, since Dayal remains contracted to the franchise, RCB cannot bring in a replacement player, which further complicates their team balance ahead of the season.
Legal issues behind absence
Dayal’s unavailability is linked to ongoing legal proceedings involving serious allegations. According to reports, two separate criminal cases have been registered against him.
The first case was filed in July 2025 in Ghaziabad, where a woman accused him of physical and mental exploitation under the pretext of marriage during a long-term relationship.
A second case was later registered in Jaipur under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaint involves allegations of sexual assault made by a minor.
Legal developments in the cases have been significant. The Allahabad High Court granted a stay on his arrest in the Ghaziabad matter. However, a POCSO court in Jaipur rejected his anticipatory bail plea in December 2025, citing the seriousness of the allegations and ongoing investigation.
It is important to note that the cases are still under investigation, and no final verdict has been delivered.
Impact on team strategy
The absence of a key bowler ahead of a major tournament presents a strategic challenge for RCB. The team management will need to rely on its existing pace options, including international recruits and domestic players, to fill the gap.
Players such as Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Duffy, and others in the squad are expected to step up as the franchise looks to maintain its competitive edge.
With the IPL 2026 season set to begin on March 28, RCB will be focused on adapting quickly and ensuring team balance despite the setback.
Conclusion
RCB’s decision to sideline Yash Dayal reflects a cautious approach amid ongoing legal proceedings. While the player remains under contract, his immediate future in the league remains uncertain.
As the situation develops, both the franchise and fans will be closely watching the legal outcome, which will ultimately determine Dayal’s return to professional cricket.