Vijaykumar Vyshak’s dream became reality on Friday evening in Patna when he received an unexpected call during Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy preparations. The Bengaluru pacer, who has been named in India’s 15-member T20 squad for the upcoming series in South Africa, could barely contain his excitement upon hearing the life-changing news. The series, which begins in Durban on November 8, will mark Vyshak’s debut in the national colours.
“An India call-up is what every cricketer aspires for. It’s a dream come true,” Vyshak told Times of India, struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Rising star with 99 First-Class Wickets
Vijaykumar Vyshak has been making waves in domestic cricket, claiming 99 wickets across 25 First-Class matches. His impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament also caught the selectors’ attention, resulting in a spot with Royal Challengers Bangalore as a replacement for Rajat Patidar two seasons ago.
Known for his controlled swing and evolving pace variations, Vyshak brings a valuable arsenal of skills to support captain Suryakumar Yadav in the challenging South African conditions.
From Top-order batter to pace bowler: Vijaykumar Vyshak
Surprisingly, Vijaykumar Vyshak didn’t always aim to be a bowler. Initially a top-order batsman, he turned to pace bowling about a decade ago. The transition wasn’t easy—Vyshak, who is gluten-intolerant, had to battle weight issues that hampered his stamina and mobility. “For a long time, people called me fat, and it never really bothered me,” he admitted. “But one day, I looked at myself in the mirror and didn’t see a cricketer. I saw an overweight young man struggling with his game. That day, I told myself, ‘Fitness is everything; work on it.’”
Fitness First: Training with BP Aiyappa and Bharat Arun
Vyshak’s commitment to fitness led him to former international athlete and coach BP Aiyappa, as well as trainers Sai Prasanna and Puneeth. Under Aiyappa’s guidance, Vyshak followed a strict regimen at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, running 4 kilometres every morning followed by intense endurance drills. “I did this for two years without looking at the results because I believed my hard work would pay off someday,” Vyshak said.
He later travelled to Chennai to train with Bharat Arun, former India bowling coach, to refine his bowling action and stamina. “My action was all over the place, and my weight wouldn’t let me jump. There were days I wept to my parents,” Vyshak shared. “But after working with Arun sir, I saw results. I keep going back to him for guidance.”
Eager to make impact in South Africa
Reflecting on the upcoming South Africa series, Vyshak’s readiness and adaptability stand out. “I’ve bowled in all situations for RCB, and I can adapt quickly,” he said confidently. “When the opportunity comes, I want to give it my all.”
For Vijaykumar Vyshak, this India call-up symbolises a career-defining moment—an achievement born from hard work, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of his dream.
