Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler Yash Dayal has opened up about his absence from the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The left-arm pacer clarified that missing the tournament was not his personal decision, adding that he is still part of the Bengaluru-based franchise team despite missing the entire season.
Dayal is currently dealing with multiple legal issues, including a case registered at the Sanganer Sadar police station in Jaipur. According to the complaint, a minor alleged that she met the fast bowler during a match in Jaipur and later faced repeated sexual abuse and emotional manipulation over a two-year period.
I Don’t Know What the Reason Was Behind RCB’s Decision – Yash Dayal
Speaking during an appearance on Talk with Manvendra, Yash Dayal admitted that it was difficult watching IPL 2026 from the sidelines. He said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru made the final decision to keep him out of the squad, adding that he still does not know the exact reason behind it.
“Obviously, if you are sitting outside. When I watch them on television, sometimes I just get up. But then it is my team, and they haven’t removed me. They kept me on the retain list and didn’t get me a replacement,” Dayal stated.
“They probably think that I am an important part. The other thing is that my opting out of this season wasn’t my personal decision. The statement could be controversial, but the decision is always made by the authority. I don’t know what was the reason was behind RCB’s decision,” he added.
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I Don’t Know If the Team Misses Me – Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal also spoke about his emotional connection with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after helping the franchise win its maiden IPL title last season. The left-arm pacer admitted that staying away from the squad during IPL 2026 has been extremely difficult for him.
“I miss them a lot. I don’t know if the team misses me, the fans will say that.”
Before the season began, RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat told the media that Dayal would miss IPL 2026 because of a personal situation. Bobat added that the decision was taken in the best interests of both the player and the franchise, although RCB retained Dayal and did not sign a replacement.
I Have Been in Conversations with the Management – Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal said that his relationship with Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains strong. The fast bowler confirmed that he continues to stay in regular contact with the franchise management, including mentor Dinesh Karthik and the coaching staff.
“I have been in conversations with the management. I have spoken to the director, and with the coach too, and also Dinesh Karthik. We communicate in intervals, and the connection hasn’t broken. There is no communication gap. Everything is clear and sorted,” Dayal said.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are preparing to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. While Dayal has remained absent from official training sessions and promotional activities, RCB have continued to keep the left-arm pacer under contract during their IPL 2026 title defense.
