Royal Challengers Bangalore Pacer Yash Dayal to Miss Entire IPL 2026 Season Due to Personal Reasons

Bengaluru. Bad news has arrived for the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) even before the upcoming IPL season begins. The team's main fast bowler, Yash Dayal, will not play any matches in IPL 2026, citing personal reasons.

RCB's Cricket Director, Mo Bobat, confirmed in a press conference held on Tuesday that although Dayal remains contracted with the team, he will not be seen on the field this season. Director Bobat stated that discussions were held with Dayal, and it was decided that given the personal circumstances he is currently going through, it would not be in the best interest of either him or the franchise for him to join the team.

However, he declined to provide detailed information about Dayal's issue. Yash Dayal has not played any professional cricket since the 2025 IPL final. He is also facing a legal case of sexual misconduct, which had already cast doubt on his availability.

Bobat admitted that RCB had formulated its strategy keeping in mind the 'worst-case scenario' where Dayal might not be available during the auction time. Dayal's absence creates further crisis in RCB's fast-bowling attack.

Another key bowler for the team, Australia's Josh Hazlewood, will also be unavailable for the initial matches of the season due to an old injury. RCB is currently coordinating with Cricket Australia regarding Hazlewood's health status.

In the absence of the two main bowlers, the command of RCB's bowling now rests on the shoulders of experienced Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Other options for the team include uncapped Indian players like Rajat Patidar, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, while foreign bowlers include Jacob Duffy, Nuwan Thushara, and all-rounder Romario Shepherd.

RCB will have to put its new bowling strategy to a tough test in its first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.