Royal Challengers Bengaluru sideline Yash Dayal for Indian Premier League 2026 amid ongoing situation

Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) takes a crucial decision by sidelining one of the key members of the present squad. According to fresh reports, controversial Indian paceman Yash Dayal is set to drop from RCB’s IPL 2026 plan because of the ongoing situation surrounding the player.  

On Friday (March 20) evening, it has been learnt that RCB will play the IPL 2026 season without Yash Dayal. Though an official confirmation is yet to be received regarding this.

Why Yash Dayal has been ruled out of IPL 2026

As per reports, the emerging pacer has been ruled out of IPL 2026 because of controversies related to him. Last year, it was widely reported that an FIR was filed against Dayal in Jaipur, accusing him of repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor in 2023. The allegation came weeks after a rape complaint was filed against him in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad by another woman.

“It is alleged that around two years ago, when the complainant was a minor, he raped her on multiple occasions after offering to help build her cricket career,” Sanganer Sadar police station SHO Anil Kumar Jaiman told Times of India in June, 2025.

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“This year, he contacted her again while in Jaipur for IPL duty, called her to his hotel, and allegedly raped her there,” he added.

Because of the legal matters, the 28-year-old was banned from playing the UP T20 League by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. It was also reported that Dayal’s participation was also at risk from taking part in local of state level competitions as well, following the allegations.

Ahead of the IPL 2026, RCB faced backlash from the fans for retaining the controversial seamer.

How does this impact the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack?

Yash Dayal’s absence can affect the IPL 2024 winner’s plans for the upcoming season, as Dayal was considered one of the main parts in their bowling line-up. Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood will miss the initial few matches of the IPL 2026 because of a hamstring injury. As of now, Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Thushara is also doubtful for the tournament as he is yet to receive a No Objection Certificate from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

If the trio remains uncertain also after the beginning of the tournament, then the experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Suyash Sharma will have to carry extra burdens on their shoulders.   

Replacement options for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026

It will be interesting to see whether the franchise announces any replacement for Yash Dayal. Who will be the potential replacement for the defending champions? Umesh Yadav, who played for RCB before, can be the frontrunner to take Dayal’s place.  Chetan Sakariya and Simarjeet Singh can also be appropriate to represent the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 campaign.