India pacer Yash Dayal is set to part ways with Uttar Pradesh after representing the state for seven years in domestic cricket. The left-arm quick is in line to represent Chhattisgarh as a guest player
in the upcoming 2026-27 domestic season, with the state association also lining up experienced campaigners Jayant Yadav and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja to strengthen its squad, sources told News18 Cricketnext.
It has been learnt that Dayal has sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), which is currently under consideration. However, officials in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) declined to comment when contacted by News18 Cricketnext.
According to sources familiar with the development, Chhattisgarh has identified three guest players for the upcoming season- Yash Dayal, Jayant Yadav and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. The trio has already joined the Chhattisgarh team in a pre-season fitness camp in Karnataka’s Alur under the watchful eyes of newly-appointed head coach Ameya Khurasia.
“The BCCI allows every association to induct up to three guest players every season. Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the CSCS selection committee picked Yash Dayal, along with Jayant Yadav and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, to add more firepower to the team,” sources within the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh told CricketNext.
“Obviously, the selection of the players will be based on how they perform in the fitness camp. But as far as our three guest players- Dayal, Yadav and Jadeja- are concerned, there won’t be any problem given their experience,” the source added.
Sources further told CricketNext that the Chhattisgarh squad for the upcoming domestic season is expected to be announced by the second week of August.
The three guest players are expected to represent Chhattisgarh across all three major domestic competitions- the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Amay Khurasiya To Lead Team As Head Coach
Leading the new-look side will be former India batter Amay Khurasiya, who has been appointed head coach. The left-handed batter represented India in 12 One-Day Internationals between 1999 and 2001 and enjoyed a distinguished first-class career with Madhya Pradesh, scoring more than 7,000 first-class runs.
After retirement, Khurasiya established himself as one of the more respected coaches on the domestic circuit and most recently guided Kerala to its maiden Ranji Trophy final before taking over as Chhattisgarh’s head coach.
Yash Dayal Headlines New Signings
Among the three guest players, Yash Dayal is the biggest name to join the squad. The left-arm fast bowler rose to prominence after playing a key role in Gujarat Titans’ IPL-winning campaign in 2022. However, he endured one of the toughest moments of his career in 2023 when Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes off his bowling in the final over to pull off one of the greatest run chases in IPL history.
Rather than letting that setback define him, Dayal scripted a remarkable comeback. After joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he rediscovered his rhythm with consistent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket, eventually earning an India call-up and re-establishing himself as one of the country’s leading left-arm pacers.
Dayal has, however, also remained in the news for reasons off the field. The pacer is facing allegations in a sexual exploitation case, which he has denied. He did not feature for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2026 season of the league amid the controversy. The matter remains under investigation.
Despite the off-field developments, Chhattisgarh has moved to bring him in as one of its three guest players. The state association will hope Dayal’s experience of bowling under pressure at the highest level adds quality to its pace attack while also mentoring younger fast bowlers.
Jayant Yadav Adds International Experience
The second major addition is Jayant Yadav, the seasoned off-spinning all-rounder who has represented India in six Tests and two ODIs.
Jayant is best remembered for scoring a century batting at No. 9 against England in Mumbai in 2016, becoming one of the few Indian bowlers to register a Test hundred. Alongside his international experience, he has claimed 272 first-class wickets and scored close to 3171 runs, making him one of India’s most accomplished domestic all-rounders.
His presence is expected to provide Chhattisgarh with balance across formats through his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja Strengthens Spin Attack
The third guest player is veteran left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, one of India’s most successful domestic bowlers.
A stalwart of Saurashtra cricket, Jadeja has consistently finished among the leading wicket-takers in the Ranji Trophy over the past decade. Though he has not represented India at the senior level, his consistency and wealth of experience make him a valuable addition, particularly in red-ball cricket, where he has 423 wickets in 100 First-class matches.
