Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have confirmed that fast bowler Yash Dayal will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to personal reasons. The announcement comes just days before the tournament kicks off on March 28, when RCB faces Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Personal Reasons Behind Absence
Speculation about Yash Dayal’s absence grew after he was missing from training sessions and did not appear on the team bus poster. RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, clarified the situation during a press conference, stating that Dayal is currently dealing with personal matters and it is not in his or the franchise’s best interest for him to join the squad at this time.
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Despite missing the tournament, Yash Dayal remains under contract with RCB, and the team has emphasized their support for him. “He retains our support, and we continue to communicate with him regularly,” Bobat added, highlighting that Dayal’s well-being is a priority for the franchise.
Controversies Surrounding Dayal
Yash Dayal recently married social media influencer Shweta Pundir, but he has also been involved in legal controversies. Earlier this year, he was denied anticipatory bail after being implicated in a case alleging sexual assault of a minor. This follows a July 2025 lawsuit accusing him of exploiting a woman under the guise of marriage, with a subsequent case under the POSCO Act emerging in Jaipur.
RCB Prepares for IPL 2026
With Yash Dayal unavailable, RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against SRH on March 28. The franchise is confident in their squad’s ability to perform despite the absence of the fast bowler and will rely on remaining players to maintain momentum as defending champions.
Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see how RCB adapts its bowling attack without Yash Dayal, while keeping an eye on developments regarding his personal situation.