Yash Dayal was born on December 13, 1997, in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India. Coming from a humble and sports-loving family, Yash’s father, Narendra Dayal, was also a fast bowler who represented Allahabad University in domestic cricket. Inspired by his father, Yash developed a passion for cricket at a very young age.
His early cricketing days were spent on the dusty grounds of Prayagraj, where he trained tirelessly, often bowling for hours to perfect his swing and pace. His father and local coaches quickly recognized his raw talent and guided him through the ranks. Despite facing limited resources and fierce competition, Yash’s discipline, focus, and never-give-up attitude kept him going.
He completed his schooling in Prayagraj and graduated from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) while balancing his education and cricket. His determination to make it big in Indian cricket led him to represent Uttar Pradesh in domestic tournaments, where his journey truly began.
Domestic Career
Yash Dayal made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he immediately impressed with his left-arm pace, ability to swing the new ball, and consistent line and length. His standout performances quickly drew attention — he picked up 14 wickets in just 7 matches during the tournament.
He soon made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh in the same season and became a vital part of their bowling lineup. His ability to extract movement off the pitch and bowl crucial spells under pressure made him one of the most promising left-arm pacers in India’s domestic circuit.
Over time, Yash developed a reputation for being a thinking bowler — someone who could bowl both in the powerplay and death overs with confidence. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy paved the way for his entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL Journey
Yash Dayal’s big break came when the Gujarat Titans (GT) picked him up for a whopping ₹3.2 crore in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. Under the mentorship of Hardik Pandya and coach Ashish Nehra, Yash flourished as a key bowler for the new franchise.
He made his IPL debut in 2022 and delivered impactful spells with his pace and sharp swing. He played a crucial role in GT’s championship-winning campaign that year, proving his ability to perform on big occasions. His calm temperament and precise yorkers during tense moments stood out, earning him praise from both teammates and experts.
In IPL 2023, Yash faced a tough phase when he was hit for five consecutive sixes by Rinku Singh in one of the most memorable matches of the season. However, his comeback story was just as powerful — he didn’t let that moment define his career. He worked hard on his fitness, refined his bowling skills, and returned stronger. In IPL 2024, after being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Yash silenced his critics with stellar performances, showcasing remarkable mental strength and maturity beyond his years.
Personal Life
Yash Dayal comes from a supportive middle-class family that has always stood by his dreams. His father, as mentioned earlier, was a local cricketer, while his mother, Meena Dayal, is a homemaker. Yash often credits his parents for their sacrifices and emotional support during his tough journey.
He shares a close bond with his sister, Ekta Dayal, who has also played cricket at the domestic level for Uttarakhand — making cricket a true family passion. Off the field, Yash is known for his calm and humble nature. He prefers to stay away from controversies and focuses on his training and personal growth.
He’s also a fitness enthusiast, following a strict workout and diet routine. In his free time, Yash enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Despite his growing fame, he remains deeply grounded, often visiting his hometown to inspire young cricketers.
Achievements and Highlights
- Represented Uttar Pradesh in all three formats of domestic cricket.
- Key performer in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018–19 with 14 wickets in 7 matches.
- Made IPL debut for Gujarat Titans in 2022, helping them win the title.
- Known for his comeback and strong mental resilience post the 2023 IPL season.
- Picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024 and became one of their most reliable pacers.
Bowling Style and Strengths
Yash Dayal is a left-arm medium-fast bowler who consistently clocks between 135–140 km/h. His biggest weapon is his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially with the new ball. He’s equally effective in the death overs, thanks to his smart variations, slower balls, and yorkers. His smooth bowling action and natural rhythm make him a delight to watch.
Conclusion
Yash Dayal’s journey from the bylanes of Prayagraj to the floodlights of the IPL is a story of determination, courage, and self-belief. His ability to rise after setbacks and deliver match-winning performances shows his strong character and unwavering spirit.
As one of India’s most promising left-arm pacers, Yash continues to grow with each season, carrying the hopes of fans who believe he could soon don the Indian national colors. His story is a shining example for every youngster who dares to dream — proving that no setback is permanent when your passion is stronger than your fear.
