Big Blow for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Star Bowler Opts Out of IPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are getting big blows right before the tournament commences. The team is already one bowler short, as Josh Hazlewood is unavailable for the start of the season. And now, another key bowler, Yash Dayal, has opted out of the IPL 2026 due to personal reasons.

The defending champions will be having some issues in the IPL 2026 with their bowling line-up. They got the news of Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability for the start of the tournament. While that could have been treated with other bowlers such as Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy, the team has faced yet another issue.

And this one is related to the bowler who played the last two seasons for them. Yash Dayal, one of the primary bowlers for the team, has opted out of the IPL 2026 due to personal reasons. This comes as a massive blow for the team, as they are not just one, but two bowlers short in this season.

While Josh Hazlewood will be joining the team later in the tournament, the gap created by Yash Dayal’s absence comes as a big issue for the team. Fans noticed that Yash Dayal didn't join the team's practice sessions for a long time. But now, it has been confirmed by the franchise itself that Dayal has opted out of the IPL due to personal reasons.

Our Take

Yash Dayal has missed out on action for a long time. He was not a part of Uttar Pradesh in the domestic season of 2025/26, and was also barred from participating in the UP T20 League. Now he has opted out of the IPL 2026 citing personal reasons, bringing in a huge gap for him and the team as well.

It should be noted that Dayal is also undergoing a legal case for sexual assault, where a POSCO case was filed against him in the Jaipur High Court. Although he has been granted an anticipatory bail, his participation in the IPL 2026 won't be happening.