Vipraj Nigam and Yash Dayal (Photo: PTI)
Vipraj Nigam-Yash Dayal: The last date to retain players for IPL 2026 is 15th November. By that day, all the franchises have to submit the list of their respective retained players. The biggest question is in front of Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore franchises, who have to decide on retaining Vipraj Nigam and Yash Dayal. Actually, both of them are those players who have recently been accused of rape.
What decision will DC take regarding Vipraj Nigam?
The latest name to emerge in the rape allegation is that of Vipraj Nigam, who played the last season of IPL for Delhi Capitals. All-rounder Vipraj was bought by Delhi franchise for Rs 50 lakh in the mega auction held before IPL 2025. Vipraj played 14 matches for Delhi in the last season of IPL, in which he scored 142 runs and took 11 wickets.
From the performance point of view, Vipraj’s game on the IPL pitch has been all-round for Delhi. But, before the retention of players for IPL 2026, the situation regarding this player has changed a bit. And, that’s because a female cricketer playing from UP has accused IPL player Vipraj Nigam of rape and assault on the pretext of marriage. The female cricketer has also lodged an FIR against Vipraj Nigam in Noida Expressway police station regarding this. However, against these allegations, Vipraj Nigam has also filed a case of threatening and blackmailing against the female cricketer in Barabanki police station on 8th November.
Question on retention of Vipraj like Yash Dayal
Now the question is whether Delhi Capitals will retain Vipraj Nigam, which is embroiled in controversies regarding the girl? However, the same questions are facing the Delhi franchise, the same is facing RCB regarding Yash Dayal. Before Vipraj, Yash Dayal had also been accused of rape. Due to those allegations, he was banned from playing in the UPT20 league.
Yash Dayal was retained by RCB last season at a price of Rs 5 crore. Meaning, he has been associated with the RCB franchise since 2024. But will the hat-trick of Yash Dayal’s retention be achieved? This question has arisen regarding Yash Dayal, who became IPL champion with RCB last season, because he has also been accused of raping a 17-year-old minor on the pretext of marriage. And, Ghazia later registered a case regarding this.
What decision will RCB take?
Yash Dayal is a tremendous left arm bowler. He proves invaluable in the death overs. Last season, he took 13 wickets in 15 matches for RCB. But, whether he will be seen doing the same in IPL 2026 or not, depends on whether RCB retains him for the next season or not.