"Feeding Criminals": Fans Bash RCB As Rape Accused Yash Dayal Retains IPL Contract

RCB slammed after Yash Dayal's exit [Source: @Sarvesh21978104/X.com]

In a bombshell development, RCB confirmed that fast bowler Yash Dayal won’t play the IPL 2026 season due to his personal situation. Dayal is accused of rape under the POCSO Act, but fans aren’t convinced by RCB’s action.

The IPL 2026 season is set to kick off on March 28, where RCB will take on SRH in the tournament opener at Bengaluru. The squads have assembled, but Dayal didn’t join the camp.

Yash Dayal sidelined by RCB for IPL 2026

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener, RCB director Mo Bobat confirmed through a press conference that fast bowler Yash Dayal will not feature in this season due to his personal situation, and the call was taken in his best interest.

For context, Dayal was accused of physical and emotional exploitation on the pretext of marriage by a woman who claimed to have been in a relationship with the pacer for 5 years.

An FIR was registered under the POCSO Act back in July 2025, and since then, the investigations have been ongoing.

Since Yash Dayal isn’t cleared of any wrongdoing, RCB didn’t want to take any chances with fans’ sentiments and chose to snub the pacer from their squad for the IPL 2026 season.

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Fans are unhappy with RCB’s action

However, fans on social media still criticised RCB. So apparently, Yash Dayal will still be a part of the franchise, as his contract isn’t terminated. The management is supportive of the player and is in regular communication with him.

This backing has frustrated the fans as they called out the IPL 2025 champions for feeding a criminal.  

Akash

@Akashkumarjha14

The way RCB are treating Yash Dayal, you would think he is peak Wasim Akram or something. Not saying there aren't enough reasons to part ways even if he was that good but current decision making doesn't make much sense even from cricketing point of view.

r

@bekhayalime

Yash Dayal is accused of raping a minor and has been booked under the POCSO Act. It is disgraceful that RCB is continue to keep Yash Dayal under contract, allowing someone facing such serious allegations to keep receiving payment while remaining inactive.

Mar 24, 2026, 1:23 PM

Gagan Chawla

@toecrushrzzz

@cricbuzz He’s going through personal situations as if he’s the victim here and he remains under contract means will be paid inspite of not taking the field!!! Peak Employee privilege and dream!!

Harsha Vardan

@Harsha_Original

@cricbuzz RCB supporting and feeding criminals

Raazi

@Crick_logist

@cricbuzz How is this punishment for rapist when he is getting 6cr for sitting at home ???

That being said, since his contract is still in place, RCB cannot sign a replacement player for Yash Dayal. They must manage with their existing squad depth. 

Double setback for RCB

Meanwhile, defending champions RCB will enter the IPL 2026 season with a depleted bowling lineup. After Yash Dayal’s exit, the team is likely to miss the services of Josh Hazlewood for the initial phase.

Due to his recent injury concerns, Cricket Australia is yet to hand over an NOC to Hazlewood to manage his workload, as the Aussies have crucial Test assignments coming up.

Mo Bobat confirmed that they’re negotiating with CA to ensure Hazlewood joins the camp as soon as possible. However, for now, no clear timeline for his return is available.

For now, RCB will have to rely on backup options like Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy for fast bowling duties. As for domestic choices, Rasikh Salam and Mangesh Yadav can be trusted.

While the squad have the depth to cope in patches, their ability to navigate the opening matches without their first-choice attack could ultimately shape the tone of their campaign, making early adaptability crucial to their title ambitions.

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