RCB's Yash Dayal to Miss IPL 2026: What We Know About His Absence

Yash Dayal's Absence from IPL 2026 Confirmed

Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions, have announced that fast bowler Yash Dayal will not participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to personal matters.

Speculation about Dayal's absence had already begun when he was missing from training sessions and was not featured on the team bus poster. RCB's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, has now addressed these concerns.

Bobat confirmed that although Dayal will not be playing in the tournament, he remains under contract, and the team will continue to support him during this challenging time.

"To clarify, Yash will not be joining the squad. He is currently dealing with a personal situation, and we have been very supportive of him, which is evident from our decision to retain him when we had the chance to release players," Bobat stated during a press conference.

"We are in regular communication with him. I spoke with him earlier today, and it has been decided that it is not in his best interest or the franchise's for him to join us at this time."

"He has our full support and remains under contract, and we will continue to check in with him as he navigates his personal challenges," he added.

Recently, Dayal married social media influencer Shweta Pundir in a private ceremony, but he has also been embroiled in significant controversies. He was denied anticipatory bail a few months ago in connection with allegations of raping a minor.

The controversy began in July 2025 when a lawsuit was filed against him for allegedly exploiting a woman under the pretense of marriage. Subsequently, a new case under the POSCO Act emerged in Jaipur.

RCB is set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.