Yash Dayal: The Rising Left-Arm Speedster of Indian Cricket
Yash Dayal, a talented left-arm fast-medium bowler from Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as one of India’s promising cricketing sensations in recent years. Known for his smooth action, natural swing, and pace, Dayal’s journey from domestic cricket to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by dedication and consistent performances. While his cricketing prowess continues to blossom, his humble beginnings and disciplined approach make him an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers.
Yash Dayal Early Life and Education
Name: Yash Dayal
Born: 13 December 1997 (age 27 years), Prayagraj
Dates joined: 2024 (India A cricket team)
Current teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Cricket Bowler)
Bowling: Left arm fast-medium
Height: 1.84 m
2024–present: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Batting: Right-handed
Yash Dayal was born on 13 December 1997 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India. He hails from a modest middle-class family deeply connected to sports. His father, Chandrapal Dayal, was a former state-level cricketer and has worked as a sports officer with the Allahabad University. Growing up in a household where cricket was more than just a game, Yash was naturally inclined towards sports from a very young age.
Yash Dayal Education
Yash completed his schooling from Delhi Public School (DPS), Allahabad, where he actively participated in various sports. Despite his growing cricket commitments, he balanced academics effectively and developed a disciplined lifestyle. After schooling, he pursued his graduation in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), though cricket gradually became his main focus.
Even during his academic years, Yash regularly trained under his father’s guidance and practiced at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium, honing his bowling techniques. His passion was evident, and his family stood behind his dream, ensuring he had the resources and environment to succeed.
Yash Dayal Cricket Career
Domestic Beginnings
Yash Dayal made his professional debut in domestic cricket in the 2018-19 season, representing Uttar Pradesh. His performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A) and the Ranji Trophy (First-Class) quickly caught attention. As a left-arm seamer, he brought a much-needed variety to the UP bowling attack.
List A Debut
Yash made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh on 21 September 2018, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He showcased exceptional control and economy, emerging as a reliable new-ball bowler. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a valuable asset in the 50-over format.
First-Class and T20 Debuts
- First-Class Debut: He debuted in the Ranji Trophy for UP on 1 November 2018. He displayed outstanding performances throughout the season, especially in conditions favoring pace and bounce.
- T20 Debut: On 21 February 2019, Yash debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India’s domestic T20 league.
With each format, Yash showcased his adaptability and work ethic, leading to improved numbers and greater responsibility within the Uttar Pradesh team.
IPL Journey
IPL Auction 2022 – Gujarat Titans
Yash Dayal was picked by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction for a whopping ₹3.2 crore. This moment marked a turning point in his career, giving him national exposure and the opportunity to share the dressing room with world-class players like Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and David Miller.
IPL 2022 Performance
Yash made his IPL debut in April 2022. In his very first match, he impressed everyone with his pace, bounce, and control. He played 9 matches, taking 11 wickets at an average of around 26.91, with best figures of 3/40. His breakthrough came against Rajasthan Royals, where he dismissed Jos Buttler, one of the most dangerous T20 batsmen.
Despite being new to the IPL, Yash showed composure and aggression, characteristics rare in young pacers.
The 2023 ‘Rinku Singh’ Incident
In IPL 2023, Yash was unfortunately part of a memorable moment in cricket history — Rinku Singh hit him for 5 consecutive sixes in the last over, winning the match for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The moment drew widespread attention and some criticism.
However, Yash handled the incident with remarkable maturity, stating in interviews that it was a learning experience and he would bounce back stronger. His comeback spirit and calmness under pressure won him the admiration of fans and experts alike.
IPL 2024 – Kolkata Knight Riders
In the IPL 2024 Auction, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Yash Dayal for ₹5 crore, showing faith in his potential despite the previous year’s headlines. The franchise’s management and Rinku Singh himself backed Yash, showing that cricket is about comebacks and second chances.
He proved his mettle by putting up impressive performances throughout IPL 2024, playing a key role in KKR’s bowling unit.
Playing Style and Strengths
Yash Dayal is a left-arm fast-medium bowler known for:
- Swinging the ball early in the innings.
- Accurate yorkers in the death overs.
- Deceptive slower deliveries in T20 formats.
- Consistency and line-length discipline.
Standing tall with a lean athletic frame, Yash’s bowling action is smooth and repeatable, which reduces injury risks and helps him maintain pace.
Social Media Handles
Yash Dayal is relatively reserved online but maintains a presence on major social media platforms, where he shares updates about his training, IPL experiences, and moments with teammates.
- Instagram: @yashdayal_11
(Followers: ~110k as of June 2025) - Twitter (X): @yash_dayal_11
(Followers: ~30k) - Facebook: Not officially verified but fan pages are active.
His social media content is mostly centered around cricket and fitness, with occasional family moments. He’s admired for staying grounded and maintaining a clean public image.
Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Yash Dayal’s estimated net worth is around ₹7-8 crore INR (~$850,000–1 million USD).
Major Sources of Income
- IPL Contracts:
- Gujarat Titans (2022–2023): ₹3.2 crore/year.
- KKR (2024–present): ₹5 crore.
- Domestic Match Fees:
- BCCI pays domestic cricketers match-wise in Ranji, Vijay Hazare, and SMAT tournaments.
- Estimated annual income: ₹10–15 lakh.
- Brand Endorsements:
- Yash has begun attracting regional brand sponsorships.
- Endorses fitness apparel and cricket gear brands on Instagram.
- Social Media Collaborations:
- Limited but growing presence; occasional paid promotions.
- Estimated earnings: ₹2–3 lakh/year.
Business Interests
As of 2025, Yash Dayal has not launched a full-fledged business venture but has shown interest in:
- Fitness and Sports Startups:
He has invested in a sports nutrition brand with a group of fellow cricketers, focusing on protein supplements and recovery products. Details remain private but are expected to be public soon. - Cricket Academy Plans:
Yash and his father are in early stages of setting up a cricket training center in Prayagraj, offering facilities for aspiring bowlers and batters in Uttar Pradesh. - Real Estate Investment:
He is reportedly building a house in Lucknow and has purchased land in Allahabad as long-term investments.
Personal Life
Yash Dayal is known for his soft-spoken and humble demeanor. As of 2025:
- Marital Status: Unmarried.
- Girlfriend: No public relationship; maintains a private life.
- Hobbies: Gym, traveling, watching cricket analysis, and spending time with family.
Despite the fame and pressure, Yash remains focused on his game and prefers to let his performance speak.
Challenges and Comebacks
From a domestic player to being in the spotlight of IPL highs and lows, Yash has faced:
- Pressure moments like the Rinku Singh over.
- Injuries during his debut Ranji seasons.
- High expectations post-IPL debut.
But each setback has only made him more determined. His journey reflects mental strength, a trait crucial for modern athletes.
Future Prospects
With several young Indian pacers vying for national attention, Yash Dayal is firmly in the queue. His:
- IPL consistency
- Left-arm variation
- Ability to bowl in powerplay and death overs
…make him a serious contender for India’s limited-overs teams in the near future.
Selectors have included him in India A squads, and he is expected to be part of upcoming international tours and possibly the T20 World Cup build-up squads.
Conclusion
Yash Dayal represents the new wave of Indian cricket — fearless, grounded, and ever-improving. His journey from Prayagraj’s local grounds to IPL stadiums filled with thousands of fans is a tale of dreams meeting discipline.
In an era where fame comes fast and fades faster, Yash’s steady rise, resilience through criticism, and commitment to his craft make him a name to watch in Indian cricket for years to come.
