RCB Faces Challenges Ahead of IPL 2026 Season Opener

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up for their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they face significant challenges with key players missing from their lineup. Yash Dayal's absence due to serious allegations raises concerns, while Aakash Chopra suggests Mangesh Yadav could fill the gap. Additionally, the team will be without Josh Hazlewood for a considerable time, leading to questions about the effectiveness of their spin duo, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. This article delves into the implications of these changes and the pressure on RCB's bowling unit as they aim to defend their title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 22:51 IST

RCB's Opening Match and Key Absences

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to kick off their IPL 2026 journey on March 28 (Saturday) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), aiming to defend their title successfully. However, their bowling lineup has faced significant setbacks prior to the tournament's commencement. A crucial player from their previous title run, Yash Dayal, will be absent due to serious allegations of physical assault involving a minor. RCB has decided not to seek a replacement for him, but former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has proposed that Mangesh Yadav could step in for Dayal.

On his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed optimism about Yadav's potential, stating he has received positive feedback about the left-arm pacer. Nevertheless, he cautioned that expecting Yadav to replicate Dayal's performance would be a tall order. “I have heard the new player, Mangesh Yadav, is very good. I am really hopeful that he will perform well, but expecting the same things from him that you expected from Yash is not always easy. So I definitely see a challenge in the bowling unit,” he remarked.

Mangesh Yadav was acquired by RCB during the IPL 2026 auction for an impressive Rs 5.2 crore. Despite having only played two domestic T20 matches, he gained recognition in the UP T20 League 2025, where he emerged as the top wicket-taker with 14 dismissals.

Concerns Over RCB's Bowling Lineup

Aakash Chopra Raises Concerns On RCB Bowling Attack

RCB will also miss their star bowler Josh Hazlewood for a significant portion of IPL 2026. In light of this, Aakash Chopra voiced concerns regarding the performance of their spin duo, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, who excelled last season. “I do feel slight problems could come in bowling. I am already seeing that. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma did very well last year. It surprised everyone because I felt there was a slight weakness there, but both managed really well,” Chopra noted.

He further questioned whether they could maintain their form in the upcoming season. “However, will they be able to do that in the second year as well? If two or three matches don't go well, will you try to remove Suyash and bring someone else? These are the questions that can pop up, and now, since Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal aren't there, there might be more pressure on the bowlers,” he added.