Punjab Kings' newest addition, Vishal Nishad, is all set to make his mark in the upcoming <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-ryan-rickelton-speaks-about-his-approach-ahead-of-marquee-tournament-23613922" rel="nofollow">Indian Premier League</a> (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 <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/virat-kohli-vanishes-from-instagram-fans-in-total-shock-23614369" rel="nofollow">Virat Kohli</a>. 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 feet.
"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 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 <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/shashank-singh-speaks-about-punjab-kings-pre-season-camp-ahead-of-ipl-2026-23613788" rel="nofollow">Punjab Kings</a> (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 <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-australia-suffer-huge-blow-as-pat-cummins-ruled-out-of-global-showpiece-23614559" rel="nofollow">cricket</a> 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)

IPL 2026: Vishal Nishad shared how he managed to get picked by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) after playing a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh

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Vishal Nishad shared how he managed to get picked by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) after playing a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh

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