Have RCB sidelined Yash Dayal for IPL 2026?

Yash Dayal took 13 wickets for RCB last season.

While defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started preparing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Yash Dayal absence from training sessions have left many surprised.

The likes of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Suyash Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are currently training under Andy Flower ahead of their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28. Meanwhile, Dayal seems to be snubbed.

Even in the RCB‘s bus pictures, the 28-year-old is nowhere to be seen. Yash Dayal has also not been seen in the franchise’s social media posts either.

The 28-year-old was retained by the defending champions for INR 5 crore for the 2026 season, and the decision was met with backlash due to the legal case going against the bowler. Dayal is facing two serious charges of physical abuse, including one against a minor.

Have RCB sidelined Yash Dayal?

Dayal last played a competitive game for RCB in the IPL 2025 final against the Punjab Kings. He took 13 wickets in 15 games, with his best figures being 2/18.

Since then, he has been on the sidelines. He wasn’t called in by the Uttar Pradesh team to play in the domestic circuit for the whole season. Later, the BCCI Centre of Excellence urged the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to establish contact with the 28-year-old; however, all their attempts were in vain.

A UPCA official told TOI about the omission of Yash Dayal:

“The case was going on against him, so he wasn’t considered for selection. I remember there was a call from CoE checking on him in September, but we weren’t able to establish any contact with Yash Dayal. He has even changed his number. Even his childhood coach doesn’t know his whereabouts.”

Recently, his wife, Shweta Pundir, uploaded a video on Instagram where the 28-year-old can be seen practising his batting skills. However, there were no mentions of his return to Bengaluru or the IPL in the story.

Thus, it remains to be seen whether he will return as part of the RCB this season. Meanwhile, reports also claim that the 28-year-old has been released by the defending champions without any official announcement.

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