Yash Dayal credited Virat Kohli for supporting him during a challenging IPL season, leading to a successful playoff run with RCB.
Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli for his unwavering support during a challenging season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dayal endured a difficult stint with the Gujarat Titans in 2023, where his performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium saw him concede five consecutive sixes in the final over, costing his team the match.
Following the disappointing season, the Titans released Dayal, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) picked him up for INR 5 crore. Reflecting on his time with RCB, Dayal credited Kohli for boosting his confidence and helping him feel at ease in the new environment.
“The biggest thing he (Kohli) said to me was that he would back me the whole season. He told me that I would not feel like I have come to a new place, and he backed me completely. So this was a huge boost, and he talks to the youngsters in such a very healthy way. He is nothing like what people talk about on TV. I don’t feel like that,” Dayal shared in an interview with Sports Tak.
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Dayal played a pivotal role in RCB’s journey to the playoffs last season. In 14 matches, he took 15 wickets at an economy rate of 9.14, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker for RCB alongside Mohammed Siraj. Despite losing six matches in a row and facing the prospect of missing out on the playoffs, Dayal’s performance helped RCB secure a six-match winning streak, ultimately earning them a spot in the playoffs. However, their campaign ended with a loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
Overall, in 56 T20 matches, Dayal has claimed 53 wickets at an economy rate of 8.46, showcasing his potential as a key player in the shortest format of the game.
Last Updated on August 20, 2024