Vijaykumar Vyshak: A Rising Force in Indian Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has consistently been a breeding ground for cricketing talent, transforming promising players into national stars. Among the latest to emerge is Vijaykumar Vyshak, a dynamic fast bowler hailing from Karnataka. While still awaiting his debut cap for India, Vyshak has already made significant strides, showcasing his potential in the T20I arena and with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL.

Preparation for IPL 2026: Building on Confidence

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Vyshak shared his thoughts on the upcoming IPL 2026 season. He emphasized a focus on refining his established role rather than drastic changes. “I know my role pretty well, so I’ve been working on that, and there’s nothing that I’ve done extra or something different from last year. I’ve bowled a lot of overs, and that has given me a lot more confidence. I’m going to do better than last year, because as a bowler and cricketer, you want to keep improving.” This dedication to consistent improvement underscores his commitment to excelling in the competitive world of cricket.

The Punjab Kings’ Championship Drive

The atmosphere within the Punjab Kings camp is reportedly buzzing with ambition. Shashank Singh’s bold prediction of a PBKS victory in IPL 2026 reflects the team’s collective mindset. Vyshak elaborated on the team’s determination, stating, “We saw players lift the trophy on the ground last year, not us, but it was the other team. Those emotions are something we live for; we want to be in that situation where we should be lifting the trophy as a team. So, we’ve seen that closely, and it hurt us a lot last year. But I think this year we have come fresh, with the intention of winning the trophy.”

He also praised the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the supportive coaching staff, highlighting a positive and confident team environment. “And the way Shreyas (Iyer) is leading the team is exceptional, the coach is giving you so much confidence, we’re in a great space. So we are confident that we are going to win the trophy this year.”

From Warner’s Dismissal to a Mainstay

Vyshak’s journey has been marked by key moments, including the early breakthrough of dismissing David Warner. Now a reliable performer for any team he represents, he remains focused on a day-by-day approach. “Honestly, the more I think forward, the more I put pressure on myself. I would say I’m just going to take one day at a time. I am someone who has always done that.”

The Ultimate Goal: Representing India

Despite his success at the IPL level, Vyshak’s ultimate ambition remains playing for India. Having been part of the T20I squad for the South Africa series, he is determined to earn his debut cap and contribute to the national team. “But if there is something that I am looking forward to, it is playing for India in the coming season. I was part of the South Africa T20 series, and though I didn’t get a chance, I know that I’m going to play in the coming season, make my debut, and do really well for my country.”

Stepping Up in the Absence of Lockie Ferguson

With Lockie Ferguson unavailable, Vyshak acknowledges the increased responsibility on the Punjab Kings’ pace attack, alongside Arshdeep Singh. He views this as a positive challenge. “This again is an amazing challenge. Lockie is an amazing bowler; we’ll obviously miss him, and he’s going to come soon. But I think it’s a healthy competition in the team. Everybody has done so well, that is why we are in this team.” He emphasizes the importance of healthy competition and maintaining a high level of performance.

Inspired by Karnataka Legends and Modern Stars

Vyshak credits several Karnataka legends – Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Sreenath Aravind – for inspiring his cricketing journey. He also looks up to contemporary stars like Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, frequently seeking their guidance and support. “I have spoken to them a lot during the game, or whenever I’m not feeling good about my bowling, I’ve always picked up the phone and called them, and they’ve always helped me, mentally, especially.”

The Impact of the IPL on Personal Growth

Vyshak recognizes the IPL as a transformative experience, not only for his cricketing skills but also for his personal development. He shared a valuable lesson learned from Mohammed Siraj: the importance of emotional control. “When I made my debut, the first game went so well, but the second game didn’t go well. That is when Siraj came and told me you have to leave your emotions. If you’re doing well in life, or if you’re not doing well in life, you’ve got to keep the same emotions.”

Read more about IPL 2026: Official IPL Website