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Yash Dayal has revealed how the support of batting legend Virat Kohli and his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) played a pivotal role in his career turnaround following a challenging IPL 2023 season with Gujarat Titans (GT).
Dayal’s IPL journey has been marked by significant ups and downs, culminating in both struggles and recovery. After a difficult over against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2023, the young pacer has found renewed strength and resilience, largely due to Kohli’s encouragement and his fresh start with RCB.
Virat Kohli’s guidance assists Yash Dayal in overcoming his IPL 2023 ordeal.
Yash Dayal’s IPL 2023 season was marred by a harrowing experience when Rinku Singh struck him for five consecutive sixes in the final over of a match between GT and KKR. This incident not only deeply affected Dayal’s confidence but also led to his non-retention by Gujarat Titans.
Following this, the 26-year-old pacer found himself in the IPL auction with his future uncertain. However, his fortunes took a turn when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) decided to sign him during the IPL 2024 mini-auction. This opportunity provided Dayal with a fresh start and a chance to overcome his past struggles.
Joining RCB proved to be a significant turning point for Dayal, and Virat Kohli’s influence was crucial in his transformation. Reflecting on his journey, Dayal shared how Kohli’s supportive words and actions made him feel like an essential part of the team, helping him move past his previous challenges.
Yash Dayal attributes his impressive IPL comeback to the support of Virat Kohli and RCB.
The pacer revealed that the encouragement and support from the former RCB captain were instrumental in helping him regain his confidence, allowing him to concentrate on his game without being burdened by past failures. He expressed deep gratitude to Kohli, whose mentorship enabled him to move past his previous traumas.
RCB found themselves in a crucial must-win scenario against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2024, with their playoff hopes at stake. This situation mirrored the intense pressure he had faced with GT against KKR the previous season. As the match reached the final over with MS Dhoni at the crease needing 16 runs, Dayal was handed the ball, presenting him with an opportunity for redemption.
Despite the immense pressure and potential for flashbacks to his earlier struggles, Dayal stood firm. He allowed just one additional run and took the crucial wicket of Dhoni, culminating in a remarkable comeback. RCB’s improbable victory was celebrated with Kohli nearly in tears, overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
Dayal has now expressed his deep gratitude for Kohli’s steadfast belief in him and the guidance that helped him overcome his past difficulties. He also addressed the misconceptions about him that were portrayed on television, emphasizing that these depictions did not fully capture his journey or his determination to bounce back.
Yash Dayal was quoted as saying by Sports Tak: “The biggest thing he (Kohli) said to me was that he will back me the whole season. He told me that I would not feel like I had come to a new place, and he backed me completely. So, this was a huge boost up, and he talks to the youngsters in such a very healthy way, and he is nothing like what people talk about on TV. I don’t feel like that.”
Dayal played a crucial role in RCB’s run to the IPL 2024 playoffs, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 9.14. He shared the title of RCB’s leading wicket-taker with Mohammed Siraj.
