RCB Removes Rape-Accused Yash Dayal from IPL 2026 Lineup
Royal Challengers Bengaluru director of cricket Mo Bobat confirmed that Yash Dayal will not join the squad for the IPL 2026 season. Dayal remains under contract with the franchise despite his non-participation.
Franchise decision and context
RCB retained Dayal during the pre-auction retention window. That retention sparked public backlash at the time.
Dayal missed pre-season training, which intensified speculation about his role. Bobat told reporters the bowler is dealing with a “personal situation.”
Club stance and communication
Bobat said the franchise has stayed in regular contact with Dayal. He added that RCB wants to support the player while matters are unresolved.
The club believes it is not in either party’s best interest for Dayal to join the squad at present. He will, however, continue under contract in the short term.
Squad impact and options
Dayal was an important pace option in RCB’s 2025 title run. He took 13 wickets that season.
His left-arm pace provided a unique angle to the attack. RCB will now look to other bowlers and overseas signings to fill the gap.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nuwan Thushara
- Jacob Duffy
- Rasikh Salam
- Abhinandan Singh
- Mangesh Yadav
- Romario Shepherd
Because Dayal is still contracted, RCB cannot name a direct replacement player. The retention suggests the franchise has not severed ties.
The team must now adjust its bowling strategy before the season opener on 28 March.
Legal proceedings
Dayal faces two separate criminal complaints of a sexual nature. Both cases have influenced his absence from cricket.
Ghaziabad FIR
An FIR was filed in July 2025 at the Indirapuram Police Station. The complainant accused Dayal of exploitation under a false promise of marriage during a five-year relationship.
The Allahabad High Court later granted a stay on his arrest in that matter.
Jaipur case under POCSO and BNS
A second case was registered in Jaipur under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A teenager alleged repeated sexual assaults dating back to 2023.
The complaint includes an alleged incident during the 2025 IPL season at a hotel. In December 2025, a POCSO court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.
Legal restrictions have prevented Dayal from returning to competitive play. The player’s future availability hinges on the resolution of these matters.
Filmogaz.com notes that headlines and social posts circulated the phrase RCB Removes Rape-Accused Yash Dayal from IPL 2026 Lineup after the club confirmed his absence. The franchise says it will continue to monitor developments and communicate with the player.
