Punjab Kings (PBKS) mystery spinner Vishal Nishad said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli is his idol ahead of the IPL 2026 season. However, the young bowler expressed a strong desire to bowl out Virat during the upcoming tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28.
Punjab Kings franchise recently acquired the 20-year-old player during the auction. They signed Nishad for his base price of Rs 30 lakh. Nishad wanted to wear jersey number 18 like Virat Kohli. However, Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya had already claimed that jersey number before him.
I will still try to get him out – Vishal Nishad calls Virat Kohli his idol
Speaking on the Punjab Kings YouTube channel, Vishal Nishad said that he respects Virat Kohli, but his competitive mindset remains absolutely ruthless whenever he bowls against the Royal Challengers Bangalore 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 bowl him out,” said Nishad.
Nishad will play under the leadership of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer. He took a lot of inspiration from Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The young bowler from Uttar Pradesh said that he learned carrom ball from Varun.
“I watch his googly and try to learn it,” he said.
I told her- Mom, I will do it. I will make it – Vishal Nishad
Vishal Nishad was unknown before joining the Gorakhpur Lions franchise in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Former Uttar Pradesh captain Ankit Rajput is the head coach of Gorakhpur Lions and also works as a talent scout for Punjab Kings.
Ankit looked at Nishad and supported his signature. This important turning point came during a trial in Noida. Despite not having proper cricket shoes, Nishad borrowed a pair from a friend and took three wickets. This performance proved his talent and helped Vishal Nishad realize his potential in professional cricket.
Nishad said, “That’s when I thought – yes, I belong here.”
Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings 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 Bangalore in the first leg of the tournament is not scheduled.
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