POCSO case-hit Yash Dayal disputes RCB’s official explanation over IPL 2026 absence: 'Call made by authority'

Yash Dayal also revealed that despite his absence, he is in touch with RCB's management, including Dinesh Karthik.

Updated on: May 25, 2026, 14:47:45 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Yash Dayal opened up on missing out on the ongoing Indian Premier League season, claiming that it wasn't his own personal decision. According to reports, Dayal is facing allegations of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage in a case registered in Ghaziabad. He has received protection from arrest from the Allahabad High Court. Also, in a separate case registered in Jaipur, which reportedly involves a minor, the Rajasthan High Court refused to grant him relief from arrest, stating the seriousness and sensitivity of the allegations under the POCSO Act.

Yash Dayal opened up on missing out on the ongoing IPL 2026 season. (REUTERS)

Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra YouTube show, Dayal revealed that he misses the team and it wasn't his decision to miss the ongoing season. He was a key part of the RCB setup last season when they won their first-ever IPL title. During the pre-tournament press conference this year, RCB's director of cricket Mo Bobat stated that Dayal would be missing out on IPL 2026 due to 'a personal situation'. Bobat also claimed that the decision was in the best interest of Dayal and also RCB.

Also Read: ‘I want to score 200 in T20s’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vows to shatter Chris Gayle’s record

‘Wasn’t my personal decision': Yash Dayal

"Obviously, if you are sitting outside. When I watch them on television, sometimes I just get up. But then it is my team, and they haven't removed me. They kept me on the retain list and didn't get me a replacement. They probably think that I am an important part. The other thing is that my opting out of this season wasn't my personal decision. The statement could be controversial, but the decision is always made by the authority. I don't know what was the reason was behind RCB's decision," he said.

"I miss them a lot. I don't know if the team misses me, the fans will say that."

Dayal also revealed that despite his absence, he is in touch with the franchise's management, including Dinesh Karthik. "I have been in conversations with the management. I have spoken to the director, and with the coach too, and also Dinesh Karthik. We communicate in intervals, and the connection hasn't broken. There is no communication gap. Everything is clear and sorted," he said.

The complaint, allegedly regarding a minor, was filed at the Sanganer Sadar police station. The minor alleged that she came in contact with him during an IPL match in Jaipur and was then subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of two years. The minor also accused him of emotional manipulation and false assurances related to a cricketing career. According to reports, these claims are under legal scrutiny.

After the second case, Dayal wasn't allowed to participate in the UP T20 League last year, where he had been signed by the Gorakhpur Lions for INR 7 lakh.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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