'I'll Touch Virat Kohli's Feet': Punjab Kings Spinner Reveals Special Plan If He Gets 'Idol's Wicket' During IPL 2026

At the IPL 2026 mini-auction held last December, Punjab Kings’ new recruit Vishal Nishad made the headlines. The mystery spinner was picked following his eye-catching performances in the UPT20 League and

despite no experience of having played domestic cricket.

Son of a painter, the 20-year-old Nishad hails from a humble background in Gorakhpur, who started playing with a leather ball nearly four years back. He grew up playing tennis-ball cricket like his father and brothers.

Now ready to show his skills in the world’s biggest T20 franchise league, Nishad cannot wait to face his idol Virat Kohli.

“My idol is Virat Kohli. I am inspired by his attitude and his drive; he’s my favourite,” Nishad said.

And the youngster has planned how he will celebrate if he manages to get the wicket of the batting superstar.

“If I take his wicket, I’ll touch his feet because he’s my idol,” he replied.

The path to landing an IPL contract worth Rs 30 lakh was full of challenges for Nishad, who at one point contemplated giving up the game.

“There were tough times. I used to go with my father and help him with work. I even thought I’d quit cricket,” he recalls. “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 reveals that it was his friend who first suggested he try bowling with a leather ball.

“Initially, I played tennis-ball cricket. A friend watched me throw and suggested I try the leather ball because he liked my action. After that, I decided to practise seriously. That’s how it all started,” he said.

“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 me becoming a bowler,” he added.

Nishad credits his coach for playing a vital role in his development.

“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,” he said.