RCB Faces Major Setback as Yash Dayal Withdraws from IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is set to face a significant challenge in IPL 2026 as bowler Yash Dayal withdraws due to personal issues. His absence comes amid serious controversies, including legal allegations. RCB, the reigning champions, will kick off the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. With both teams eager to start strong, the match promises to be an exciting opener for the season. Explore how RCB plans to navigate this setback and defend their title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 13:37 IST

Yash Dayal's Withdrawal from IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has encountered a significant challenge ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Bowler Yash Dayal will not be participating due to personal reasons, as confirmed by the franchise. His absence from training sessions and the omission from the team bus banner had already sparked speculation regarding his future with the team. Dayal has recently been embroiled in serious controversies, including a rape allegation involving a minor, for which he was denied anticipatory bail. RCB's team director, Mo Bobat, stated, "He's going through a personal situation. He remains under contract," confirming Dayal's withdrawal from the upcoming season.

The controversies surrounding Dayal began in July 2025 when he faced a lawsuit for allegedly exploiting a woman under the pretense of marriage. Subsequently, a new case under the POSCO Act emerged in Jaipur.

RCB's Opening Match Against SRH

RCB To Face SRH In IPL 2026 Opener

As the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will kick off the IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match is scheduled for March 28 at the renowned M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams are eager to start the season on a high note, with RCB looking to defend their title after ending their trophy drought in IPL 2025. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, finished sixth last season and missed out on the playoffs.

RCB's IPL 2026 squad: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra.