Left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL title win last year, has been embroiled in controversy. The 28-year-old has been undergoing a few legal battles, one of which includes the POCSO charge as well.

All this happened just a month after helping his team win their maiden title after a long wait.

The fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh was recently a guest on the Talk with Manvendra show. During the course of the show, the player was asked if he misses playing, to which he replied. “Obviously, if a player is sitting out, but I’m not sure if the team also misses me, it is up to the fans to tell that.”

When asked if he had pulled out for the IPL 2026 or if it was a team decision, Dayal said, “The team has retained me and didn’t ask for a replacement player.

That shows the team still values me and considers me important. As far as pulling out of IPL 2026 is concerned, it wasn’t my decision alone. This statement might come across as controversial, but the authorities make such a decision. Don’t know the reason behind this yet.”

Uttar Pradesh’s pacer was also asked if he was in touch with any of the RCB members, to which he said, “There have been talks with the management.

Have had a chat with the director, coach, and also Dinesh Karthik. One cannot say that there is no communication between us; everything is pretty clear.”

What did Mo Bobat say about the pacer ahead of the season?

Just before the IPL 2026 could begin, RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, was asked if the left-arm seamer would play the season.

The Englishman had said that the pacer was under contract with the team. He also added that the player was in constant touch with the management, but it was in the best interest of all that Yash stay home for the season and refrained from making any further comments.

The pacer’s last game was on 3rd June when Bengaluru faced Punjab Kings in the finals. 28-year-old from Prayagraj took one wicket for 18 runs in the massive game and ended the season with 13 wickets to his name. –