Punjab Kings (PBKS) mystery spinner Vishal Nishad said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli is his idol ahead of the IPL 2026 season. However, the young bowler expressed his strong desire to dismiss Virat during the upcoming tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28.
The Punjab Kings franchise acquired the 20-year-old during the recent auction. They signed Nishad for his base price of 30 lakh rupees. Nishad wanted to wear jersey number 18, the same as Virat Kohli. However, Punjab Kings opening batter Priyansh Arya had already claimed that jersey number before him.
Speaking on the Punjab Kings YouTube channel, Vishal Nishad said that while he respects Virat Kohli, his competitive mindset remains absolutely ruthless whenever he bowls against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru superstar during IPL matches.
"I haven’t met him yet, but I will face him twice this season. Off the field I will talk to him, try to learn from him. On the field — same attitude. I will still try to get him out,” Nishad said.
Nishad will play under Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer. He drew massive inspiration from Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The young Uttar Pradesh bowler said that he learned the carrom ball from Varun.
"I watch his googly and try to learn it," he added.
I Told Her - Maa, I Will Do This. I Will Make It - Vishal Nishad
Before securing his IPL contract, Vishal Nishad faced financial struggles with his family in Uttar Pradesh. His father works as a professional painter in the small village of Madraha near Gorakhpur. Vishal said that financial difficulties once made him consider giving up his cricket dreams.
“There were days when I went with my father to help him with his work,” he said quietly. “On those days I felt like just giving up cricket.”
“She said cricket is too difficult, too many people are trying. Leave it, do something else. I told her — Maa, I will do this. I will make it.”
That Was When I Felt - Yes, I Belong Here - Vishal Nishad
Vishal Nishad was unknown before joining the Gorakhpur Lions franchise in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Former Uttar Pradesh captain Ankit Rajpoot is the head coach of Gorakhpur Lions and also serves as a Punjab Kings talent scout.
Ankit spotted Nishad and backed his signing. The turning point came during a trial in Noida. Despite not having proper cricket shoes, Nishad borrowed a pair from a friend and picked up three wickets. This performance proved his talent and helped Vishal Nishad realize his potential in professional cricket.
"That was when I felt — yes, I belong here," Nishad stated.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 31 in New Chandigarh. Punjab’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru is not scheduled in the first phase of the tournament.
Also read: 'Rohit Sharma is good enough to be part of Indian T20I team': MS Dhoni’s ex-teammate's big remark
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