Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Yash Dayal finally opened up regarding his absence from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while also speaking about the franchise retaining him despite the controversy surrounding him.
According to reports, Dayal is currently facing allegations of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage in a case registered in Ghaziabad. The left-arm pacer has reportedly received protection from arrest from the Allahabad High Court.
At the same time, in another separate case registered in Jaipur involving a minor, the Rajasthan High Court reportedly refused to grant him relief from arrest while citing the seriousness of allegations under the POCSO Act.
Amid the ongoing controversy, Dayal has now spoken publicly about missing IPL 2026 and his equation with RCB.
Yash Dayal says IPL 2026 absence ‘wasn’t my personal decision’
Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra YouTube show, Dayal admitted that it has been difficult watching IPL games from outside while revealing that the decision to miss IPL 2026 was not made by him personally.
"Obviously, if you are sitting outside. When I watch them on television, sometimes I just get up."
The pacer also expressed gratitude towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru for continuing to back him despite the ongoing situation.
"But then it is my team, and they haven't removed me. They kept me on the retain list and didn't get me a replacement."
Yash Dayal further added that RCB still sees him as an important member of their setup.
"They probably think that I am an important part."
However, his most eye-catching statement came when he openly claimed that missing the ongoing IPL season was not his own decision.
"The other thing is that my opting out of this season wasn't my personal decision. The statement could be controversial, but the decision is always made by the authority. I don't know what was the reason was behind RCB's decision."
The left-arm pacer also admitted that he misses being around the team during the tournament.
"I miss them a lot. I don't know if the team misses me, the fans will say that."
RCB had called Dayal’s IPL 2026 absence a ‘personal situation’
Before the start of IPL 2026, RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat had officially confirmed that Dayal would not be part of the squad this season due to what the franchise described as a "personal situation."
Bobat had also stated that the decision was taken keeping the best interests of both the player and the franchise in mind.
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Yash Dayal was a key member of the RCB setup last season when the Bengaluru franchise finally ended its long wait for a maiden IPL title.
The left-arm pacer played a crucial role during IPL 2025, particularly in pressure situations at the death, and emerged as one of the standout performers for the eventual champions.
Despite his absence this season, RCB chose not to sign a replacement player for him, further highlighting the franchise’s faith in the pacer.