NEW DELHI, July 26 — Yash Dayal is set to join the Chhattisgarh cricket team for the 2026-27 domestic season. Chhattisgarh began their pre-season training camp at Alur. The team competes in India’s domestic structure, including the Ranji Trophy.
Dayal’s move represents a fresh start after a prolonged absence from cricket. The state association will likely integrate him into their squad pending the No Objection Certificate from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.
From debutants to contenders
Chhattisgarh’s entry into top-tier domestic cricket was formalised after the Board of Control for Cricket in India granted full-member status to the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh in February 2016, following the state’s tenure as an associate member since 2008. The team made its first-class debut on 6 October 2016 against Tripura in Group C of the Ranji Trophy — and won by nine wickets. That victory, at their home ground, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, announced their arrival.
The early squad drew heavily from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. Players such as Ashutosh Singh, Harpreet Singh, Jalaj Saxena, Jatin Saxena, Abhimanyu Chauhan, Sahil Gupta, Bhima Rao, and India under-19 cricketer Amandeep Khare formed the nucleus.
Former Mumbai and Vidarbha coach Sulakshan Kulkarni was named head coach in July 2016 for a three-season term, and Mohammad Kaif — originally from Uttar Pradesh — was appointed the team’s first captain. Kaif would go on to play two seasons for Chhattisgarh from 2016 to 2018.
Notable cricketers and current setup
Notable cricketers from the state include Harpreet Singh, Amandeep Khare, Ajay Mandal, and Rajesh Chauhan. As of February 2026, the head coach is Hitesh Goswami, supported by trainer Swadesh Nagare, physio Kishore Nakhale, and video analyst Yogesh Verma. The team plays the majority of its home matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, and the state has ten grounds capable of hosting first-class games.
Dayal’s move to Chhattisgarh represents more than a squad change. For the state association, it is an opportunity to add a bowler with first-class experience to a side that has historically leaned on its batting.
For Dayal, it is a chance to rebuild his career away from the pressures of a high-profile set-up.
What to watch
The pending NOC from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association remains the procedural hurdle. Once cleared, Dayal’s integration into Chhattisgarh’s pre-season camp at Alur will be the next milestone. How the team management uses him — as a strike bowler or as a mentor to younger pacers — will be closely watched by domestic cricket observers.
For Chhattisgarh, a side that has steadily built its domestic credentials since 2016, the signing of a proven performer like Dayal could add a new dimension to their Ranji Trophy campaign.
