Yash Dayal’s IPL journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by highs and lows. In the previous season, he faced a challenging moment when Rinku Singh hit him for five consecutive sixes, leading to a remarkable victory for Gujarat Titans. Despite this setback, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw potential in him and signed him for Rs 5 crore at the auction. Andy Flower, the head coach of RCB, praised Dayal’s potential for swing with the new ball and his wicket-taking ability, showing confidence in his abilities.
Dayal made his debut for RCB in IPL 2024, showcasing his skills in front of the energetic RCB fans. He bowled with discipline and control, particularly impressing with his swing. Despite not picking up wickets in his initial spell, his economical bowling played a crucial role in keeping the Punjab Kings‘ batsmen in check. In the death overs, Dayal maintained his composure and executed his plans well, ultimately contributing to RCB’s success in restricting Punjab Kings to 176/6.
Yash Dayal talks about the criticism he faced
The fast bowler faced a lot of backlash on social media since Rinku Singh hit him for 5 sixes last year. The comments on social media made him frustrated and anxious.
Yash Dayal said, “I was hurt after seeing what was going on social media, I saw what people think about what background I come from and playing cricket at this level. I thought ‘I’m not the first or the last person with whom this has happened, I will work hard and prove'”.
During the chase, Virat Kohli‘s stellar 77, along with contributions from Dinesh Karthik (28 n.o) and Mahipal Lomror (17 n.o), helped RCB secure a four-wicket win. Despite his efforts, Dayal only played one more game for Gujarat Titans, against Bengaluru, before being released from the squad after the season. His performance at the auction was overshadowed by the five sixes he conceded to Rinku Singh.
However, RCB, hoping to overhaul their bowling attack, saw something in the left-arm medium pacer. Flower focused more on his potential than flaws, even when he had a hard time bowling in death overs during the 2023 season. His potential for swing with the new ball and wicket-taking ability caught the eyes of the RCB management. “As far as Yash Dayal is concerned, we saw some of his potential. I know he had a hard time at death occasionally, but we believe he has high potential, and we are looking for great things from him,” Flower told JioCinema after they signed Dayal at Rs 5 crore.
With only two matches under his belt in IPL 2024, it is too early to say if Dayal has repaid the faith Bengaluru management had put in him. However, for now, one can confidently say, he has started exceptionally well.
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