Punjab Kings` newest addition, Vishal Nishad, is all set to make his mark in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, according to a release.
While speaking during the pre-season camp in Udaipur, Nishad said that Team India stalwart Virat Kohli inspired him to take up the sport.
“My idol is Virat Kohli. I am inspired by his attitude and his drive; he`s my favourite,” he said.
When asked how he would celebrate his wicket if he manages to dismiss him during the cash-rich league, replying to it, the 20-year-old cricketer said that he would touch Kohli`s feat.
“If I take his wicket, I`ll touch his feet because he`s my idol,” he replied.
The youngster then recollected the time when he used to help his father with the work and also mentioned the sacrifices made by his family.
“There were tough times. I used to go with my father and help him [with work]. I even thought I`d quit cricket. 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,” he recalled.
Nishad also shared how he managed to get picked by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) after playing a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh.
“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 said.
“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 (with Punjab Kings),” the cricketer added.
Explaining his choice to become a bowler, Nishad noted how his background in tennis-ball cricket played a pivotal role: “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”.
(With ANI Inputs)
