Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler Yash Dayal will not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. This decision comes as Dayal faces serious legal charges, including allegations of sexual assault and exploitation. RCB confirmed his absence, stating he is dealing with personal matters, though he remains under contract with the franchise.[m+5]
Legal Troubles Mount for Pacer
Dayal is currently embroiled in two distinct criminal cases involving severe allegations. One major complaint was filed in Jaipur under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This case involves a minor who claims Dayal sexually assaulted her multiple times since 2023.The accuser also alleged an incident occurred in April 2025 at a hotel during the IPL season, where Dayal reportedly promised to help her cricket career.[m+6]
A Jaipur special POCSO court rejected Dayal's anticipatory bail plea in December 2025, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.Although the Rajasthan High Court initially denied interim relief, it later granted him interim protection in January 2026.Dayal's legal team has argued that the complainant did not establish her presence at the hotel for the alleged incident.[m+5]
Separate Exploitation Case in Ghaziabad
In addition to the Jaipur case, a separate complaint was registered against Dayal in Ghaziabad in July 2025. A woman accused him of sexual and financial exploitation over a five-year relationship, claiming it was based on a false promise of marriage.The Allahabad High Court granted Dayal interim protection from arrest in this particular matter.[sports+5]
Yash Dayal has publicly denied all allegations against him. His legal team has described both cases as coordinated attempts to blackmail the cricketer.Despite his denials, the ongoing legal proceedings have significantly impacted his professional career.[livemint+2]
RCB's Stance and Dayal's Absence
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Director of Cricket Mo Bobat confirmed Dayal's absence on March 24, 2026.Bobat stated that Dayal would not be joining the squad due to a "personal situation."He emphasized that the franchise remains supportive and in regular communication with the player, who is still under contract.[livemint+11]
"We've been very supportive of Yash to date and that's reflected in the opportunity to either retain or release players," Bobat told the media. "He remains under contract. We are communicating with him regularly but it has been decided that it is not in his or the franchise's best interest for him to join up with us at this point."RCB had retained Dayal for ₹5 crore ahead of IPL 2026.[timesofindia]
Impact on Career and Team
The legal challenges have kept Dayal out of competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 final. He was also banned from participating in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Dayal was a crucial player for RCB, taking 13 wickets during their championship-winning campaign in IPL 2025. He had rebuilt his reputation as a dependable death-over bowler after a difficult stint with Gujarat Titans in 2023.[livemint+2]
Dayal's absence creates a significant gap in RCB's pace attack. The team is now exploring domestic replacements to fill the void. Mo Bobat noted that RCB had planned for a "worst-case scenario" during their auction strategy and recruited accordingly, with domestic bowlers like Rasik Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Mangesh Yadav as potential options.[m+3]
IPL rules and contract clauses allow franchises to exclude players to protect the team's integrity and reputation, especially when facing serious legal issues. While there is no blanket ban from the BCCI for players under trial, teams prioritize avoiding off-field controversies. Dayal's future in the IPL and competitive cricket hinges on the outcomes of his ongoing legal battles.[timesofindia+3]
