RCB Retained Players List 2026 Update: Yash Dayal Included Despite Controversies

The deadline for finalizing the list of retained players for IPL 2026 ended on November 15, 2025. The complete list of players retained by all ten franchises has been announced, with a total of 173 players retained, including 49 overseas players. Currently, there are 77 vacant slots among all franchises. A mini-auction will be organized to fill these slots. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has included Yash Dayal in their retention list for IPL 2026.

However, a significant debate has arisen over this decision as Yash Dayal is currently facing two serious criminal charges, one of which is related to sexual assault as per the POCSO Act. Last year, RCB had retained him for 5 crore rupees.

Yash Dayal Facing Two Criminal Charges
Yash Dayal faces two criminal charges in Ghaziabad and Jaipur, both related to sexual assault. This has sparked a major controversy, with many questioning RCB’s decision to retain him despite the serious allegations. Dayal’s retention has sparked a significant backlash on social media, with many accusing RCB of sending the wrong message to society.

RCB Silent on Allegations
RCB has not issued any official statement regarding these allegations against Dayal. There has been no independent request for clarification from Dayal’s side either. Even after numerous serious allegations against the player, there has been silence on whether RCB has contacted the BCCI regarding the matter. It is worth noting that Yash Dayal did not play a single competitive match after IPL 2025 final.

Dayal Banned from UP T-20 League
Following the seriousness of the allegations, Yash Dayal was banned from participating in the UP T-20 League by the organizers in August. He was set to play for Gorakhpur Lions. Additionally, he was not seen competing in any domestic tournaments from Uttar Pradesh. These events have raised significant questions about his cricketing career.

RCB Released Players List:
Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhadange, Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Raoth.

RCB Retained Players List:
Rajat Patidar (Keeper), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Sams, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Tushara, Rassie van der Dussen, Abhinand Singh, Abishiek Singh, Abhishek.