Yash Dayal is back in the UP camp after a 16‑month hiatus from competitive cricket. He joins the squad at Ekana on September 25, ready to add fresh fire to the state’s pace line.
Dayal’s 13‑wicket haul in the 2025 IPL helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift their first title. The left‑arm seamer’s figures—13 wickets for 189 runs—were the backbone of RCB’s success.
Despite being retained for 2026, Dayal sat out the season amid personal circumstances. RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, said the decision was in both parties’ best interests, but the bowler remained eager for a comeback.
UPCA chief executive Ankit Chatterjee welcomed the pacer back, citing his impressive trial performance. "Dayal has proven he can deliver in practice matches and is ready for selection," Chatterjee remarked.
The camp will run from September 25 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, with the Ranji Trophy opening on October 11. Uttar Pradesh’s first fixture is against Bihar at Rajgir International Stadium.
Dayal’s return will test UP’s new strategy as the team prepares to face Bihar in the season opener. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.