Punjab Kings’ latest recruit Vishal Nishad has opened up about the profound influence Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has had on his cricketing journey, revealing that if he ever manages to take the wicket of his idol, his reaction would be one of reverence rather than celebration — he would “touch his feet”.
The young bowler, who recently joined the Punjab Kings set-up ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, spoke candidly about his admiration for Kohli and how the former India captain’s attitude and work ethic inspired him to pursue cricket seriously despite repeated hardships.
“My idol is Virat Kohli. I am inspired by his attitude and his drive; he’s my favourite,” Nishad said, reflecting on the role Kohli played in shaping his ambitions.
‘I would touch his feet’: Respect over celebration
Asked how he would react if he were to dismiss Kohli during a match, Nishad’s response underlined the blend of humility and ambition that has quickly endeared him to fans.
“If I take his wicket, I’ll touch his feet because he’s my idol,” he said, drawing smiles within the Punjab Kings camp. In an era where aggressive celebrations often dominate the spotlight, Nishad’s words stood out as a reminder of the deep respect many young cricketers still hold for the stars they grew up watching.
For Punjab Kings, a franchise keen on nurturing grounded young talent, Nishad’s attitude aligns with the team’s broader ethos of combining competitiveness with character.
A journey marked by struggle and sacrifice
Behind the calm demeanour lies a story shaped by perseverance and family sacrifice. Nishad recalled facing moments when continuing with cricket felt almost impossible.
“There were tough times. I used to go with my father and help him with work. I even thought I’d quit cricket,” he said. Financial constraints and uncertainty made the dream of becoming a professional cricketer appear distant.
His mother, worried about the instability associated with a sporting career, urged him to consider an alternative path. “My mother told me to leave it and learn something else because becoming a cricketer is so difficult,” Nishad recalled.
Yet, the young bowler refused to give up. “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 said. That unwavering belief eventually became the foundation on which his career was built.
From tennis-ball cricket to the IPL stage
Like many aspiring cricketers from smaller towns, Nishad’s introduction to the sport came through tennis-ball cricket rather than formal academies. His natural ability, particularly his throwing action, caught the attention of a friend who encouraged him to try leather-ball cricket.
“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 practice seriously. That’s how it all started,” Nishad explained.
The transition was far from easy, but it proved decisive. Tennis-ball cricket helped him develop wrist strength and an instinctive understanding of spin — attributes that later became central to his bowling style.
Support that made the difference
One of the most significant turning points in Nishad’s career came through the support of his coach, who waived fees for three years to allow the youngster to continue training.
“My coach didn’t charge me fees for three years,” Nishad said, acknowledging the role mentorship and kindness played in keeping his dream alive.
His breakthrough came in a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh, where consistent performances began to attract attention. “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.
That journey — from local leagues to one of the biggest cricketing platforms in the world — encapsulates the depth of grassroots talent in India.
Why bowling became his calling
Nishad also explained how his early days with the tennis ball shaped his decision to become a bowler rather than a batter.
“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 said.
This adaptability, combined with discipline and persistence, has helped him catch the eye of scouts and coaches at the IPL level.
Punjab Kings’ faith in young talent
Punjab Kings have built a reputation for backing emerging players, and Nishad’s signing reflects the franchise’s continued focus on unearthing raw Indian talent. For the young bowler, sharing the professional arena with players like Virat Kohli represents both a dream and a challenge.
While he remains realistic about the competition ahead, Nishad believes that learning from senior players — even opponents — will be invaluable in shaping his growth.
Conclusion
Vishal Nishad’s story is one of grit, humility and unwavering belief. From helping his father at work and contemplating quitting cricket to earning an IPL contract, his journey mirrors that of countless young Indians chasing sporting dreams against the odds. His reverence for Virat Kohli — and the promise to “touch his feet” if he ever dismisses him — symbolises not just fandom, but a deep respect for the values that define Indian cricket. As he prepares for the biggest stage of his career, Nishad carries with him the hopes of a family, a franchise, and a generation inspired by perseverance.