Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with Yash Dayal ruled out due to personal reasons.
Dayal had earlier been in the spotlight following a controversy linked to his personal life. Reports had suggested that a woman accused him of emotional exploitation and making false promises regarding a relationship, with the matter reportedly escalating to a formal complaint. While no final legal conclusion has been publicly confirmed, the episode impacted his public image. The franchise, however, has maintained silence on specifics, citing only “personal reasons.” Recently, Yash Dayal married content creator and vlogger Shweta Pundir on February 4, 2026. The ceremony was a private, low key affair attended by close friends and family. He played 15 matches and picked up 13 wickets, playing a key role in helping RCB to get their median IPL title.
Their campaign will begin with the opening encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Concerns for their pace attack are already under pressure, Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss a few matches, while Nuwan Thushara is still awaiting clearance due to delays in receiving a No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket. Dayal’s absence further weakens the bowling unit, leaving the team with limited options. There is no replacement announced yet so far.
The responsibility will now fall on experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy to lead the pace attack as RCB aim to defend their title. Last year, RCB secured their maiden Indian Premier League title, and now they are keen to defend it.
RCB Squad – Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal