The defending champions **Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)** have suffered a major blow just ahead of IPL 2026; The team’s left-arm fast bowler **Yash Dayal** has been ruled out of the team for the entire season due to a personal reason. Speaking to the media on Tuesday (March 24, 2026), RCB Director of Cricket **Mo Bobat** broke the franchise’s silence on the growing speculation over Dayal’s absence from pre-season training, promotional posters and the team bus.
Bobat said, “So, just to confirm that Yash will not be joining the team.” “He is going through a personal difficult time right now… We have been very supportive of Yash so far and that is reflected in the fact that when we had the opportunity to retain or release players, we retained him. We wanted to retain him, and he is still under contract and will be under contract for some time to come.”
Bobat further said that the franchise is in constant touch with Dayal and the decision has been taken in the best interest of both the player and the team. He also confirmed his continuous support to Dayal in this difficult period.
Dayal played a key role in RCB winning their first IPL title in 2025, but since mid-2025, he has faced several serious legal allegations, including sexual abuse allegations in Ghaziabad and a POCSO case involving a minor in Jaipur. He has not played any competitive cricket since the 2025 final.
With Dayal unavailable and overseas fast bowler **Josh Hazlewood** expected to miss the opening matches due to injury, RCB will have to rely on their domestic fast bowling strength which includes Rasik Salaam, Abhinandan Singh and other young players.
RCB will begin their title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The franchise has decided not to replace Dayal with any other player and will manage the team with the resources it has.
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