Punjab Kings fast bowler vijaykumar vaishya It has become even stronger in IPL. He has become a prominent name due to his versatility, execution in the death overs and various variations – slower balls and cutters. As a versatile fast bowler, he believes that pace is not everything.
“I am not as fast as those who bowl 155 kmph, but I can bowl around 140-144 kmph. I like challenges. It doesn't matter whether I bowl three overs in the powerplay or four in the death overs; as long as I am contributing to the team, I am happy,” Vishak said in a virtual media interaction.
Making his debut as an injury replacement for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023, he shone with his slower balls and cutters, and emerged as a reliable option in the death overs. He was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 1.80 crore and has been a mainstay ever since, despite missing most of the last season due to injury.
Vaishyak credits the work of the coaches and seniors in the domestic circuit and in his home state Karnataka. He believes that playing against international stars in the domestic circuit has helped in his transition to the IPL. He also said that he tries to add more to his repertoire every year, as video analysis means that batsmen are also getting better at picking out bowlers.
“You can't play on this stage without working hard in the net sessions. I have great coaches at home and get inspiration from my Karnataka seniors. Playing domestic cricket in India, where you face international stars, also helped my confidence. Because of the video analysts, you have to keep getting better. I try to bring a new delivery or variation every season,” said Vishak.
'If I am confident, the batsman doesn't matter' – Vishak on preparation and bowling plan
Vishak mostly depends on how he feels and whether he is executing his bowling plans. Highlighting the outing of Ayush Mhatre, who was out for 73, Vishak shared that where the plan comes from, it is his job as a bowler to execute it.
“It's about how I feel. If I'm confident and bowling my yorkers, the batsman doesn't matter. If I hit a four, I just come back to my run-up. Against [Ayush] Mhatre, the captain's plan was intuitive as he was hitting well down the leg side. We forced him to hit towards point and third man, which helped restrict the total,” said Vaishak.
Vishak has stated his aspirations to play for the Indian team, with a desire to represent the country in the Test format.
“Every cricketer dreams of wearing the Indian cap for Test matches. It still gives me shivers thinking about it. Right now, I just want to do well in this format and hopefully play for the Indian team soon,” concluded Vishak.
With five wickets in two matches, he has been one of the most reliable bowlers for Punjab Kings, capable of performing well in all phases of the innings. He demolished Gujarat Titans' middle order with a spell of 3/34 against Chennai Super Kings, taking the wickets of set batsmen Ayush Mhatre and Sarfaraz Khan.
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