Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler Yash Dayal will not join the squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat has confirmed.
In a press conference, Bobat said that Dayal is going through some personal issues and although he remains under contract, he will not be participating in the tournament this season.
“Yash Dayal will not be part of RCB this season. He is going through a personal situation. He remains under contract. It has been decided in his best interest,” Babat said in a pre-tournament press conference.
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Yash Dayal has come under serious legal scrutiny following several allegations of sexual assault and exploitation. The case attracted considerable attention not only because of the nature of the allegations, but also because of the overlap of the ongoing court proceedings with his professional cricket career.
One of the most serious complaints was registered in Jaipur, where the charges fall under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenders Act (POCSO), indicating that the complainant was allegedly a minor at the time of the incidents. The FIR reportedly accuses Dayal of repeatedly sexually exploiting him over a prolonged period, alleging that he used emotional influence and promises related to cricket opportunities to initiate and continue the relationship.
In a separate case filed in Ghaziabad, Dayal faces charges of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage. This complaint alleges that he maintained a relationship with the complainant based on false assurances, which led to further legal complications.
Dayal denied all the allegations.
YASH DAYAL REFUSED BAIL
On 24 December 2025, a special POCSO court in Jaipur rejected Yash Dayal’s anticipatory bail application in a case related to the alleged rape of a minor, citing the seriousness of the charges. Presiding Judge Alka Bansal ruled that on the basis of the victim’s statement, available evidence and overall circumstances, grant of anticipatory bail would not be appropriate at this stage. The court emphasized that cases involving minors require increased caution and sensitivity.
The case stems from a complaint lodged at the Sanganer Sadar police station by a girl from Jaipur who alleged that Dayal had been sexually abusing her for a long time with the promise of helping her build a cricket career. She claimed that he used his position as a cricketer to emotionally influence her and assure her of future opportunities. The complaint further alleges that the incidents occurred when she was a minor and that she was threatened when she later confronted him.
Dayal’s lawyer has maintained that the allegations are false and that the relationship was consensual, adding that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation. However, the prosecution countered the objection, saying that consent is legally irrelevant in cases involving minors and that prima facie evidence supports those claims.
YASH DAYAL IS GETTING MARRIED
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Yash Dayal got married to his long-time partner Shweta Pundir. The couple got married on February 4 in Noida. The wedding was a low-key affair, with only close family attending. Dayal’s wife Shweta is a content creator from New Delhi.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
March 24, 2026 1:22 PM IST
