Punjab Kings’ latest signing Vishal Nishad is gearing up for his Indian Premier League debut this season, carrying with him a story of inspiration, struggle and humility. The 20-year-old spoke candidly during the franchise’s pre-season camp in Udaipur, reflecting on his journey to the IPL and the players who motivated him to pursue professional cricket.

A self-confessed admirer of Virat Kohli, Nishad revealed how the former India captain played a central role in shaping his love for the game. “My idol is Virat Kohli. I am inspired by his attitude and his drive; he’s my favourite,” Nishad said, expressing admiration for Kohli’s mindset and work ethic.

ALSO READ

Asked how he would react if he managed to dismiss his idol during a match, the young bowler responded with a gesture that captured both his respect and grounding. “If I take his wicket, I’ll touch his feet because he’s my idol,” Nishad said, highlighting the humility that Punjab Kings believe reflects the spirit of their squad.

Nishad’s rise to the IPL has not been without hardship. He spoke openly about the challenges his family faced and the doubts that once made him consider walking away from cricket altogether. “There were tough times. I used to go with my father and help him [with work]. I even thought I’d quit cricket,” he recalled. He also shared how his mother initially urged him to choose a more stable path. “My mother told me to leave it and learn something else because becoming a cricketer is so difficult. But I didn’t give up. I told her, ‘Mom, I will definitely do it.’ Once they saw my resolve, my family stood behind me,” Nishad said.

Interestingly, Nishad did not begin his sporting journey with leather-ball cricket. He started out playing tennis-ball cricket, a phase that ultimately shaped his bowling style. “Initially, I played tennis-ball cricket. A friend watched me throw and suggested to try the leather ball because he liked my action. After that, I decided to practice seriously. That’s how it all started,” he explained.

He also acknowledged the support he received from his coach during his formative years. “My coach didn’t charge me fees for three years. Eventually, I played in a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh and performed well. After two years of playing in the tournament, I landed up here,” Nishad said, describing the breakthrough that led to his selection by Punjab Kings.

Explaining his evolution as a bowler, Nishad credited his early days with the tennis ball for developing his skills. “As I was practising with the tennis ball initially, I got used to making it spin. I adapted my tennis-ball skills to the leather ball, which played a major role in my becoming a bowler,” he said.

Get every cricket update! Follow us on