Yash Dayal, the 26-year-old pacer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has experienced the highs and lows of cricket fandom in a single year. Last season, he was mercilessly trolled after being hit for five consecutive sixes by Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh.
This year, however, he emerged as the hero in a nail-biting final over against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), becoming an overnight sensation.
Yash Dayal Family and online trolling
Yash Dayal’s family in Prayagraj had become wary of watching his high-pressure matches. The trauma of online abuse after last year’s incident led them to avoid tuning in, even for the crucial RCB vs. CSK match. However, Yash Dayal’s father, Chandarpal, couldn’t resist the urge and switched on the TV just before the final over.
Recalling the trolling last year, Yash Dayal father told Indian Express: “In one of the WhatsApp groups, a person I know shared a meme, mocking Yash for conceding five sixes and I still remember what he wrote with the picture ‘Prayagraj Express ki kahaani shuru hone se pehle hi khatam ho gayi (The story of Prayagraj Express got over before it even began).”
“It never stopped, we as a family literally quit all WhatsApp groups, barring our family one. Even when RCB picked him in the auction for Rs 5 crore, I remember someone saying ‘Paise naale mei baha aaye Bangalore waale (The franchise threw the money in the drain)’. We live in a world where even if you switch off from social media, you will end up seeing all kinds of stuff,” he said.
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Tense Beginning, Redemptive Ending for RCB pacer
The start of the final over was nerve-wracking for Chandarpal. MS Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, smashed Dayal’s first ball out of the stadium. Relief washed over Chandarpal as Dayal held his nerve and restricted both Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, securing victory for RCB.
Beyond the Headlines: A Year of Hard Work
Chandarpal Dayal laments that the focus is solely on the result, neglecting Dayal’s dedication and the improvements he’s made over the past year.
He’s developed a slower bouncer and honed his variations, proving his ability to handle pressure, especially in a stadium like Chinnaswamy where even an edge can fly for a six.
“Everyone wrote him off. And today, I am receiving a number of congratulatory calls and messages. Still, no one is talking about his hard work, grind and the way he tackled the pressure. The slower bouncer he has developed, the other variations he has learnt in the last year. The way he has bowled at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where even an edge goes for a six. But it’s fine because in one year, we as a family have realised cricket really is a funny game,” he said.
Family Support: Turning Point for Yash Dayal
During RCB’s initial struggles, the franchise arranged for each player to have a family member with them. Yash was joined by his sister Shuchi, a dietician and his constant source of strength. Her presence coincided with RCB’s winning streak, highlighting the positive impact she had on Yash’s performance.
From despair to determination
Last year, following the onslaught by Rinku Singh, a devastated Yash had questioned his career to his father. However, this year’s heroics have instilled a renewed sense of confidence. Dayal has even invited his father to watch the Eliminator match, a stark contrast to his initial playoff doubts.
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Lesson in Cricket’s fickleness for Yash Dayal
Chandarpal acknowledges the unpredictable nature of cricket. The same fans who mocked Yash Dayal last year are now showering him with praise.
This experience has been a rollercoaster for the Dayal family, but through it all, they’ve emerged stronger, united by their love for the game and their son’s unwavering determination.
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