Yash Dayal breaks silence on not being part of RCB in IPL 2026: ‘They didn’t remove me’

NEW DELHI: Pacer Yash Dayal has finally spoken about his absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign and said he is still part of the team despite missing the entire season. Rumors were rife after Dayal was absent from RCB training sessions and promotional materials, but the left-arm pacemaker made it clear that the decision was not his own. Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra podcast, Dayal said, “They didn’t remove me from the team or announce a replacement because they may still see me as part of the team. It wasn’t my personal decision to opt out of this season. The statement may be controversial, but decisions are always made by the authorities… I miss it a lot and I feel like I should be there.”Dayal also revealed that communication with the franchise continues on a regular basis. “Communication is going on with the management. Sometimes they call me, sometimes I call them. I am talking to the director and I am also in touch with DK (Dinesh Karthik) bhaiya.”Playing a key role in RCB’s bowling attack during the last two IPL seasons, Dayal has been surrounded by controversy of late. Reports claimed that the BCCI Center of Excellence and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association had been trying to contact him for months.Temper also ran into legal trouble after allegations of exploitation and a separate POCSO-related case surfaced against him.

Do you think Yash Dayal will return to RCB for the next IPL season?

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, RCB have kept him under contract as the franchise continues its IPL 2026 playoffs. They will face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.