Before their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced various updates..
The IPL 2026 opener is the first competitive match at the stadium after the tragedy. Safety upgrades were completed following the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Committee report, and the government approved the stadium for matches.
RCB is making sure the 11 fans are never forgotten. From jerseys and armbands to empty seats and a memorial plaque, the tributes are part of the team’s title defence.
CEO Rajesh Menon said: “This is for the 11 fans who will be with us forever.”
The match against Sunrisers Hyderabad will be both the start of RCB’s campaign and a heartfelt remembrance of the fans who celebrated RCB’s historic win with their lives.
RCB Introduces Tributes and Updates Ahead of IPL 2026
Yash Dayal Sidelined from RCB for IPL 2026 Due to Legal Issues
Yash Dayal will not play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026, even though he is still under contract.
Dayal was a key bowler for RCB in 2025, taking 13 wickets in their championship season. But he has been sidelined since the final. RCB cannot replace him while he remains under contract, so other bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Romario Shepherd will handle the main bowling duties.
His legal issues include two separate FIRs: one in Ghaziabad over alleged exploitation during a long-term relationship, and another under the POCSO Act in Jaipur involving a teenager. A stay was granted by the Allahabad High Court in the Ghaziabad case, but a POCSO court in Jaipur denied anticipatory bail due to the seriousness of the allegations.
RCB says they are supporting Dayal but his participation depends on how these personal and legal matters are resolved.
Players to Train with Number 11 Jersey
RCB players will wear the number 11 jersey during pre-match practice on every game day in IPL 2026. This is not for the actual match but only for the practice session before the game. The gesture is meant to honour the 11 fans who lost their lives in the 2025 stampede.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said: “In memory of the 11 fans we lost on June 4, the players will wear jersey No. 11 for practice on game days. This is not for the match, only for practice.”
This gesture lets the players carry the memory of the 11 fans with them every time they get ready on the field.
Wearing Black Armbands
Along with the number 11 practice jerseys, RCB players will wear black armbands during matches to honour the victims. This will continue throughout IPL 2026, starting from the opening game on March 28.
Black armbands are a traditional symbol of mourning and remembrance. RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said, “Apart from that, they will also be wearing a black armband on that day,” referring to the opening match and all subsequent games.
This ensures that the memory of the 11 fans is carried onto the field during every match.
11 Permanent Seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium
The permanent tribute at the stadium for the fans is that the 11 seats will stay empty forever to honor the fans who passed away.
These seats will remain empty for all future events at the stadium. They are likely placed together in a visible stand, serving as a quiet space for remembrance.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said, “We are also looking at having 11 permanent seats in Chinnaswamy Stadium forever. This is for the 11 fans who will be with us forever.” Venkatesh Prasad added that the decision is meant to remember the fans without rekindling pain.
FAQs
Q. Why is Yash Dayal not playing for RCB?
A. Yash Dayal can’t play because of some serious legal problems.
Q. Will RCB players do something to remember the fans?
A. Yes, they will wear black armbands in every match.
Q. Is there a special tribute for the fans at the stadium?
A. Yes, 11 seats will always stay empty to remember them.
Q. What did they fix at the stadium before IPL 2026?
A. They made the stadium safer and got it approved for matches.
Q. When will the tributes start during IPL 2026?
A. The tributes will start from the very first match on March 28.
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