RCB in trouble ahead of IPL 2026: Yash Dayal uncertainty, ₹7 crore Venkatesh Iyer buy raises questions

With fast bowler Yash Dayal facing a possible exit and doubts growing over Venkatesh Iyer’s role, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are battling serious selection and investment confusion ahead of the next IPL season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending IPL champions, have landed in a difficult situation months before the start of IPL Season 19. The franchise is currently dealing with two major concerns , uncertainty around pacer Yash Dayal and mounting questions over the costly signing of all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer in the mini auction.

Sources indicate that Yash Dayal may miss the upcoming IPL season due to personal reasons, raising the possibility of him being unavailable for the tournament. His absence would weaken RCB’s pace attack, which had played a key role in their championship-winning campaign.

At the same time, RCB’s decision to buy Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore has come under scrutiny. The franchise won a competitive bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans to secure the player.

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However, questions are now being raised within the team management and ownership about whether Iyer actually fits into RCB’s playing plans.

Venkatesh Iyer had been one of KKR’s costliest players in 2024, bought for ₹23.75 crore and retained for the same amount. However, ahead of IPL 2026, KKR released him, and RCB picked him up at a significantly lower price in the mini auction. Despite the reduced cost, critics argue that even ₹7 crore may turn out to be a waste if he fails to make the playing XI.

Team insiders point out that RCB’s current team combination is already well-balanced. Forcing Venkatesh Iyer into the playing eleven could disrupt the existing structure. This has led to confusion over who would make way for him, with Devdutt Padikkal’s name being discussed. However, dropping Padikkal appears unlikely at this stage.

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Adding to RCB’s worries is Venkatesh Iyer’s poor form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. In three matches so far, he has scored only 74 runs, while his bowling has also failed to make an impact. His lack of form has increased concerns about whether he can contribute meaningfully in the IPL.

With the IPL still three months away, RCB now face a situation where they are unable to fully rely on either Yash Dayal’s availability or Venkatesh Iyer’s performance. The franchise will need to take clear decisions soon to resolve the uncertainty and stabilise their squad before the season begins.

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