India pacer Yash Dayal is set to leave Uttar Pradesh after seven years in domestic cricket, with Chhattisgarh likely to sign him as one of its three guest players for the 2026-27 domestic season, sources told News18 Cricketnext.
Dayal has applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), which is currently under consideration. UPCA officials declined to comment on the development.
According to sources, Chhattisgarh has shortlisted three experienced guest players for the upcoming season – Yash Dayal, Jayant Yadav and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. All three have already joined the team’s pre-season fitness camp in Alur, Karnataka, under newly appointed head coach Amay Khurasiya.
“The BCCI allows every state association to register up to three guest players each season. For the 2026-27 season, the Chhattisgarh selection committee identified Yash Dayal, Jayant Yadav and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja to strengthen the squad,” a source in the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) told CricketNext.
“The final selection will depend on the fitness camp, but given the experience of Dayal, Jayant and Jadeja, there should not be any issues,” the source added.
The Chhattisgarh squad for the new season is expected to be announced in the second week of August. If selected, the trio will represent the state in all three major domestic tournaments – the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Amay Khurasiya Takes Charge
Former India batter Amay Khurasiya will lead the side as head coach. Khurasiya, who represented India in 12 ODIs between 1999 and 2001, enjoyed a successful first-class career with Madhya Pradesh, scoring more than 7,000 runs.
He has built a strong reputation as a coach on the domestic circuit and most recently guided Kerala to its maiden Ranji Trophy final before taking charge of Chhattisgarh.
Yash Dayal Headlines the New Arrivals
Among the three guest players, Dayal is the biggest signing. The left-arm pacer first rose to prominence after playing a key role in Gujarat Titans’ IPL-winning campaign in 2022.
He later endured a difficult phase in IPL 2023 when Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh famously hit five consecutive sixes off his final over. However, Dayal bounced back impressively after joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL before earning an India call-up.
Dayal has also remained in the news because of allegations in a sexual exploitation case, which he has denied. He did not feature for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2026 IPL season, and the matter is currently under investigation.
Despite the off-field controversy, Chhattisgarh has moved to bring him into its squad, hoping his experience at the highest level will strengthen the pace attack while also helping mentor young fast bowlers.
Jayant Yadav Adds Experience
Former India all-rounder Jayant Yadav is another major addition. The off-spinner has represented India in six Tests and two ODIs and is best remembered for his Test century against England in Mumbai in 2016 while batting at No. 9.
A proven performer in domestic cricket, Jayant has taken 272 first-class wickets and scored nearly 3,200 runs, making him one of India’s most experienced all-rounders. His arrival is expected to provide Chhattisgarh with valuable balance in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja to Bolster Spin Department
Veteran left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja completes the list of guest players.
A Saurashtra stalwart, Jadeja has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers in Indian domestic cricket over the past decade. Although he has not represented India at senior level, he has claimed 423 wickets in 100 first-class matches and brings a wealth of experience to Chhattisgarh’s spin attack, particularly in the Ranji Trophy.
