Vishal Jayswal has revealed how Virat Kohli praised the former's bowling and encouraged him to keep working hard for a call-up from possibly the national setup after the recent 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Delhi and Gujarat. Jayswal produced a magical delivery to dismiss Kohli and eventually secured four wickets.
The 27-year-old revealed the motivational words shared by former Indian captain after the match concluded at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru on December 26.
“Achha ball daalta hai. Hard work karta reh. Opportunity aayega, wait kar aur mehnat kar (You bowl really well. Keep working hard. The opportunity will come, just wait for your time and keep on working hard during the meantime),” Kohli told Jayswal, as quoted by Times of India.
Jayswal also said that he was overjoyed to have had the opportunity to bowl at Kohli and take his wicket as well.
“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. Of course, I’m really happy to have dismissed him. Having a wicket like that next to your name is very special,” he added.
Jayswal ended up with figures of 4/42 in his quota of 10 overs, which also included the wickets of Arpit Rana, Nitish Rana and Rishabh Pant. Delhi claimed a narrow win over Gujaratby a seven-run margin after the Chintan Gaja-led unit fell short in their pursuit of 255 for victory. Kohli, who registered a 61-ball 77 and claimed a couple of matches during the second innings, was named the Player of the Match.
