The IPL 2026 is only a few months away, and this year’s champions, RCB could be a worried lot. Their star bowler Yash Dayal’s bail plea was rejected in an alleged case of rape of a minor girl. No one really knows the truth, but then having retained by the Bengaluru side, one does not know if he would be participating the tournament next year or not.
There are also rumour on social media, that the team might be looking at veteran pacer Umesh Yadav as a potential replacement. In all likelihood, there could be no truth in this, but then options could be explored.
Potential Yash Dayal replacement for RCB in IPL 2026
Umesh Yadav: He is 38 now, but came up with a decent show in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Did not play in IPL 2025, but a season prior played 7 matches for GT, returning with 8 wickets. In the past, he has played three seasons for RCB.
Rajvardhan Hargargekar: He went unsold at the IPL auction 2026, but could be a genuine pace option for the team. He can bowl in excess of 145 kmph, and has been consistent in the domestic season.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti: Another option, that could offer all-round services to the team. The youngster did fairly well in the SMAT, where he picked up 13 wickets.
Simarjeet Singh: A safer/tested option for RCB could be Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh. He has played three seasons of the IPL, and has picked 11 wickets in 14 matches so far. Wasn’t at his best in SMAT, but still a good enough bowler.
Chetan Sakariya: The Saurashtra bowler could be a good addition too. Last year he hardly got a chance to play matches for KKR, but is a good left-arm pace option. He has 77 wickets in 54 T20s.
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