Gujarat spinner Vishal Jayswal shared a memorable moment after dismissing star Team India batter Virat Kohli during the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025 match. Jayswal revealed that Kohli told him he bowls well and should keep working hard, adding that opportunities will come with time in the future.
Jayswal stopped Kohli from reaching a century during the recent match at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The dismissal came in the 22nd over, when Kohli was stumped for 77 off 61 balls. Kohli had looked in strong touch and was on course for another hundred. However, Jayswal ended the knock with his spin.
Achha Ball Daalta Hai – Vishal Jayswal Reveals Virat Kohli’s Chat
After an impressive spell of 4 for 42 in 10 overs, Vishal Jayswal had an interaction with Virat Kohli once the match ended. Jayswal approached Kohli for an autograph on the match ball.
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Speaking to The Times of India, Jayswal revealed that Kohli praised his bowling and encouraged him to keep working hard. The former India captain told the young spinner to stay patient, assuring him that opportunities would come if he continued putting in the effort.
“Achha ball daalta hai. Hard work karta reh. Opportunity aayega, wait kar and mehnat kar (You bowl really well. Keep working hard. Your opportunity will come — be patient and keep putting in the effort),” Jayswal told The Times of India when asked what Kohli told him after the match.
I’m Really Happy to Have Dismissed Virat Kohli – Vishal Jayswal
Vishal Jayswal stated that he did not prepare any special strategy to bowl to Virat Kohli. Jayswal said that his focus was on staying composed rather than planning a specific dismissal. The young spinner added that dismissing a player like Kohli was a proud moment, calling it a very special wicket in his career.
“I didn’t have any specific plan against him. He’s a legend of the game. Just bowling to him is a huge moment, and there’s immense pressure when he’s at the crease. I spoke to him, and he gave me a lot of tips on how to remain calm under pressure, fitness, etc.,” Jayswal said.
“Of course, I’m really happy to have dismissed him. Having a wicket like that next to your name is very special,” he added.
I Look Up to Axar Patel as an Inspiration and Mentor – Vishal Jayswal
Jayswal credited Axar Patel for playing a major role in his development as a cricketer. Jayswal, who trained at the same academy as Axar, said that the senior all-rounder has supported him from the very beginning, both on and off the field. Jayswal described Axar as a mentor and inspiration.
“Axar bhai has helped me immensely—from my cricket kit to jerseys and bats. I look up to him as an inspiration and mentor,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to be a spin-bowling all-rounder like him. He teaches me how to be a game-changer — when to attack, how to control the run rate, and how to stay mentally strong. He always tells me, ‘Batting mein dhyaan sirf ball pe rakho, aur bowling mein batsman ke pair aur wickets pe.’ Those tips have helped me a lot,” he added.
