In a nail-biting clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by just two runs in the 52nd match of IPL 2025. RCB posted a daunting 213/5 on the board, thanks to brilliant performances from Virat Kohli and Romario Shepherd. In reply, CSK fought valiantly, reaching 211/5, with Ayush Mhatre scoring a brilliant 94 and Ravindra Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 77. But in the end, it was Yash Dayal’s composed final over under immense pressure that sealed the win for RCB.
Dayal’s redemption arc has been one of the most emotional storylines of the IPL. Just a year ago, he was in a similar situation—and the outcome then was heartbreak. This time, however, with ice in his veins and support behind him, the young pacer delivered.
Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, Yash Dayal’s father, Chandrapal Dayal, expressed immense pride in his son’s turnaround. “It’s never over till the last ball is bowled in cricket. Yash is more mature now. I’m sure even the fans had given up—my family did too. But I was confident that Yash would pull it off. And he did. His calmness was the key in this match,” he said, reflecting on the emotional journey.
Chandrapal also recalled last year’s painful moment vividly. “I was watching the 2024 match—he was in the same situation, and Dhoni was there too. When Patidar handed him the last over this time, I was literally smiling. The skipper knows Yash well. The management has shown a lot of trust in him.”
“Virat Kohli is the reason Yash is performing so freely” — Yash Dayal’s father
“Virat has supported him immensely since he joined RCB. He’s the reason Yash is performing so freely, without any baggage on his shoulders,” he revealed. “Virat hamesha boltehain usko – darr ke nahi, bindas khel, khul ke khel [Virat always tells him – don’t play with fear, play freely and openly].”
Chandrapal further shared how Kohli played a mentor’s role behind the scenes. “Virat Kohli has supported him a lot. When Yash joined RCB, Virat would often call him to his room — and sometimes, he would go to Yash’s room himself. They discussed that over from 2024. Virat told him one thing: ‘Keep working hard, toofan macha de. Main hoon tere saath. Chinta mat karna. Mehnat karna mat chhodna. Galtiyan karna, par seekhna aur aage badhna.’ (Create a storm. I’m with you. Don’t worry. Never stop working hard. Make mistakes, but learn and move ahead.)”
Chandrapal concluded with a heartfelt line: “Maine kaaficricketers ko tootate hue dekhe hai, especially bowlers ko. Par Virat ne apne haathon se joda hai [I’ve seen many cricketers break down, especially bowlers. But Virat has brought them back together with his own hands].”
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