Early Life & Cricket Beginnings
Born on December 13, 1997, in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, Yash Dayal has scripted one of the most inspiring redemption stories in Indian cricket. A left-arm medium-fast bowler with natural swing and deceptive variations, Dayal battled setbacks to emerge as a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL.
Domestic Cricket Rise
Dayal made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in 2018 and quickly established himself as a reliable wicket-taker.
Key Domestic Performances:
- First-Class: 84 wickets in 27 matches with best figures of 5/48, proving his ability in long-format cricket.
- List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy): 36 wickets in 23 matches, including a 5-wicket haul (5/31).
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Played crucial spells for UP, helping them reach knockouts multiple times.
IPL Journey: From Gujarat Titans to RCB
Gujarat Titans (2022-2023)
- 2022 IPL: Bought by GT for ₹3.2 crore, he impressed with his left-arm swing and death bowling.
- 2023 IPL: Faced a nightmare over against Rinku Singh (5 sixes in an over), which threatened to derail his career.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024-Present) – The Redemption
- 2024 IPL Trade: RCB signed him as a backup pacer, but he exceeded expectations.
- Key Spells in 2024-25:
- 2/18 vs CSK (2025) – Defended a low total in a must-win game.
- 1/25 vs KKR (2025) – Bowled tight lines under pressure.
- Role: Transformed into RCB’s go-to death bowler, using slower balls and yorkers effectively.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Left-arm medium-fast, known for swing, cutters, and improved death-bowling skills.
- Batting: Handy lower-order batter with a first-class fifty.
- Fielding: Agile outfielder with a strong throwing arm.
Career Stats (As of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 27 | 84 | 5/48 | 28.78 | 3.00 | 57.5 |
| List A | 23 | 36 | 5/31 | 23.86 | 4.61 | 31.0 |
| T20s | 58 | 56 | 3/20 | 28.64 | 8.42 | 20.3 |
| IPL | 30 | 31 | 3/20 | 31.06 | 9.42 | 19.7 |
Future Prospects
Once written off after a brutal IPL over, Yash Dayal has reinvented himself as a clutch performer. His resilience and improved skills make him a strong contender for India’s T20 squad.
Key Achievements:
✅ 5-wicket hauls in both FC & List A cricket
✅ Successful IPL comeback with RCB (2024-25)
✅ UP’s leading pacer in domestic cricket
Conclusion
From public scrutiny to redemption, Yash Dayal’s journey is a lesson in mental toughness. As he continues to shine for RCB and UP, Indian cricket might soon see him in national colors.
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