New Delhi: Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has finally addressed his absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 campaign, stating that he remains a part of the team despite missing the entire season. Speculation had arisen after Dayal was notably absent from RCB's training sessions and promotional materials, but the pacer clarified that the decision to sit out was not his own.
Dayal's Clarification on Podcast
Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra podcast, Dayal explained, "They haven't removed me from the team, and they haven't even announced a replacement because maybe they still see me as part of the squad. It wasn't my personal decision to opt out of this season. The statement may become controversial, but decisions are always taken by the authorities... I miss it a lot and feel like I should be there."
Ongoing Communication with Franchise
Dayal also revealed that he has maintained regular communication with the franchise. "There is communication with the management. Sometimes they call me, sometimes I call them. I speak with the director, and I also stay in touch with DK (Dinesh Karthik) bhaiya," he said.
Recent Controversies and Legal Issues
Dayal, who played a key role in RCB's bowling attack over the last two IPL seasons, has recently been surrounded by controversy. Reports indicated that the BCCI Centre of Excellence and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association struggled to contact him for several months. Additionally, the pacer has been involved in legal trouble following allegations of exploitation and a separate POCSO-related case. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, RCB have retained him under contract while the franchise continues its IPL 2026 playoff campaign. They are set to face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
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