New Delhi: Fast bowler Yash Dayal has finally opened up about his absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign, saying he is part of the team despite missing the entire season. Rumors swirled after Dayal disappeared from RCB’s training sessions and promotional material, but the left-arm pacer clarified that the decision was not his. Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra podcast, Dayal said, “They haven’t dropped me from the team, and they haven’t announced a replacement because maybe they still consider me part of the squad. It was not my personal decision to sit out this season. The statement may be controversial, but decisions are always made by the officials… I miss her so much and feel like I should be there.Dayal also revealed that discussions with the franchise are ongoing. “There is communication with the management. Sometimes they call me, sometimes I call them. I talk to the director, and I am also in touch with DK (Dinesh Karthik) Bhaiya.”Dayal, who played a key role in RCB’s bowling attack during the last two IPL seasons, has recently been surrounded by controversies. Reports claim that the BCCI Center of Excellence and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association struggled to contact him for months.The fast bowler is also embroiled in legal trouble after allegations of molestation and a separate POCSO case surfaced against him. Despite uncertainty over his future, RCB have retained him under contract while the franchise continues its IPL 2026 playoff campaign. They will face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
