Gujarat spinner Vishal Jaiswal recently shared a memorable moment after dismissing star Team India batsman Virat Kohli during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025 match. Jaiswal revealed that Kohli told him that he bowls well and that he should keep working hard, adding that opportunities will come with time in the future.
Recently, during the match held at BCCI’s Center of Excellence, Jaiswal had stopped Kohli from reaching a century. The dismissal occurred in the 22nd over, when Kohli was stumped after scoring 77 runs in 61 balls. Kohli was looking in strong form and heading towards another century. However, Jaiswal ended the innings with his spin.
Bowls well – Vishal Jaiswal reveals Virat Kohli’s chat
After taking 4 wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs, Vishal Jaiswal talked to Virat Kohli after the end of the match. Jaiswal approached Kohli for an autograph on the match ball.
Speaking to Times of India, Jaiswal revealed that Kohli praised his bowling and encouraged him to keep working hard. The former India captain asked the young spinner to remain patient and assured him that opportunities will come if he keeps trying.
“Achcha ball dalta hai. Hard hard karta rahe. Avsar aayega, wait karo aur nahind karo (You bowl really well. Keep working hard. Your opportunity will come – be patient and keep trying),” Jaiswal told The Times of India when asked what Kohli had told him after the match.
I am very happy to dismiss Virat Kohli – Vishal Jaiswal
Vishal Jaiswal said that he had not made any special strategy to bowl to Virat Kohli. Jaiswal said that his focus was on remaining calm rather than planning any particular dismissal. The young spinner said that it was a proud moment to dismiss a player like Kohli, calling it a very special wicket of his career.
Jaiswal said, “I didn’t have any specific plan against him. He is a legend of the game. Bowling to him is a big moment and there is a lot of pressure when he is at the crease. I spoke to him and he gave me a lot of tips about staying calm under pressure, fitness etc.”
He said, “Of course, I am very happy to get him out. It is very special to have a wicket like that next to your name.”
I look at Akshar Patel as an inspiration and mentor – Vishal Jaiswal
Jaiswal credited Axar Patel for playing a major role in his development as a cricketer. Jaiswal, who trained at the same academy with Akshar, said the senior all-rounder has supported him from the beginning on and off the field. Jaiswal described Akshar as a guru and a source of inspiration.
He said, “Akshar Bhai has helped me a lot from my cricket kit to jersey and bat. I look at him as an inspiration and a mentor.”
“I always wanted to be a spin-bowling all-rounder like him. He teaches me how to be a game-changer – when to attack, how to control the run rate and how to stay mentally strong. He always tells me, ‘In batting, focus only on the ball, and in bowling, on the pair of batsmen and the wickets.’ Those tips have helped me a lot,” he adds.
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