Bengaluru: Pacer Yash Dayal has publicly countered the explanation offered by Royal Challengers Bengaluru regarding his absence from the ongoing IPL 2026 season, stating that the decision to sit out was not his own. The left-arm fast bowler, who remains part of the franchise’s retained squad, clarified that he continues to be associated with the team despite not featuring in matches this year.

Before the start of the season, RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat had said that Dayal would miss the tournament due to a “personal situation.” However, the 28-year-old pacer has now challenged that narrative, suggesting that the call was made by the franchise management rather than being a voluntary withdrawal on his part.

Dayal says absence not his personal choice

Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra podcast, Dayal expressed his disappointment at not being part of the playing squad this season and emphasised that he had not opted out by choice.

“Obviously, if you are sitting outside, it affects you. When I watch matches on television, sometimes I feel like getting up and being there. But it is still my team. They have retained me and not brought in a replacement, which shows they consider me important,” Dayal said.

He added that attributing his absence to a “personal decision” was inaccurate. “My opting out of this season was not my personal decision. The decision is always taken by the authorities. I do not know the exact reasons behind it,” he stated, hinting at internal decisions within the franchise.

Continued communication with team management

Despite not playing this season, Dayal confirmed that he remains in regular touch with the RCB management. He revealed that he has been in contact with key figures, including the team’s mentor Dinesh Karthik, as well as the coaching staff and administrative leadership.

“There is no communication gap. I have spoken to the director, the coach, and Dinesh Karthik. We stay connected at intervals, and everything is clear between us,” he said.

His remarks suggest that while he is not actively participating on the field, his association with the franchise remains intact. The fact that RCB did not name a replacement for him in the squad has also reinforced his claim of being valued within the team setup.

Legal issues linked to absence

Dayal’s absence from competitive cricket has been widely linked to ongoing legal proceedings against him. The pacer is currently facing serious allegations in two separate cases, which have impacted his availability for professional commitments.

According to reports, the first case was registered on July 6 at the Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad district under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint accuses Dayal of engaging in a physical relationship with a woman on the pretext of marriage, amounting to sexual exploitation.

In a separate case, an FIR was filed at Jaipur’s Sanganer Police Station under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The complaint alleges that Dayal sexually assaulted a minor over a period of two years. Investigators have stated that the girl was 17 years old when the alleged incidents began, prompting the invocation of stringent legal provisions.

Authorities have also indicated that the accused allegedly used emotional pressure and false promises related to a cricketing career to exploit the victim. The case reportedly includes allegations of multiple instances of assault, including one at a hotel in Sitapura.

Impact on career and team dynamics

The ongoing cases have cast a shadow over Dayal’s cricketing career, raising questions about his future in professional cricket. While the player has not publicly addressed the specifics of the allegations, his absence from IPL 2026 has inevitably affected both his form and visibility in the sport.

For RCB, the situation presents a complex challenge. As defending champions, the team has had to balance legal sensitivities with squad management decisions. By retaining Dayal without fielding him, the franchise appears to have adopted a cautious approach while the legal process unfolds.

Cricket analysts believe that the outcome of these cases could significantly influence Dayal’s career trajectory, as well as the franchise’s future decisions regarding his inclusion.

Conclusion

Yash Dayal’s recent statement has added a new dimension to the narrative surrounding his IPL 2026 absence. By disputing the official explanation provided by RCB, the pacer has raised questions about internal decision-making within the franchise. At the same time, his ongoing legal challenges continue to remain a critical factor affecting his professional career. As investigations progress, both the player’s future and RCB’s stance are likely to come under closer scrutiny.