Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) speedster Yash Dayal has spoken for the first time about missing IPL 2026, saying he is still part of the Bengaluru-based franchise despite not playing this season.

Yash Dayal on Missing IPL 2026

The left-arm pacer was an important member of RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025. Earlier, the franchise had confirmed that Dayal would miss IPL 2026 due to personal reasons but would continue to remain under contract with the team.

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Speaking on the Talk with Manvendra podcast, Dayal said, “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.”

Yash Dayal is in touch with RCB management

He also revealed that he remains in regular touch with the RCB management even while staying away from the squad.

“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.”

Dayal had become a key part of RCB’s bowling attack over the last two IPL seasons. His absence this year has been noticeable as the team struggled to find a dependable third seamer option.

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The defending champions have relied heavily on experienced pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, but consistency from the rest of the pace attack has been missing during crucial moments of the tournament.

Despite the uncertainty around his return to competitive cricket, Dayal made it clear that his bond with RCB remains strong and communication with the franchise continues regularly.