Delhi secured a narrow seven-run victory over Gujarat.
Vishal Jayswal witnessed a day to remember in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. He delivered a match-defining spell that put Gujarat firmly in control against a star-studded Delhi line-up at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The 27-year-old spinner struck at crucial moments and claimed some of the biggest wickets of the game, including that of Virat Kohli, who had to make the long walk back after a well-made 77 off 61 balls. What stood out was Jayswal’s control and composure as he repeatedly broke partnerships and kept the scoring in check on a surface that offered just enough assistance.
He had removed Arpit Rana and Nitish Rana in quick succession to leave Delhi struggling at 98 for three, before returning for Kohli and Rishabh Pant’s wickets later in the innings. Despite fighting half-centuries from the Team India batters, Delhi was restricted to 254/9, a total that Gujarat were close to chasing with a steady start, highlighting the impact of Jayswal’s four-wicket haul.
After the game, the significance of the wicket became even clearer when Kohli signed the match ball for the 27-year-old, a gesture that summarised the respect earned by Jayswal on the day.
He later shared an Instagram post stating, “From watching him [Virat Kohli] on TV to sharing the field. Grateful for moments like these. From watching him dominate world cricket to sharing the same field and taking his wicket is a moment I never imagined would turn into reality. Getting the wicket of Virat bhai is something I’ll cherish forever. Just grateful for the opportunity, the journey, and everything this beautiful game has given me.”
Born on April 2, 1998, and hailing from Nadiad in Gujarat’s Kheda district, Vishal Jayswal has steadily carved a reputation as a promising left-arm orthodox spinner in the Indian domestic cricket. He represents Gujarat across formats and has put up noteworthy numbers with both ball and bat.
In his career so far, he has featured in 11 First-Class matches, taking 40 wickets, and smashing 370 runs at an average of over 24. In 16 T20s, he has made 126 runs and scalped 15 wickets with disciplined control and smart use of angles. His all-round contributions include valuable lower-order runs, highlighted by a First-Class century, a half-century, and other key innings underlining his utility for his State.
The match against Delhi was Vishal’s 13th List A match. His debut for Gujarat had come in a match against Assam in November 2023. Before this contest, he had clinched just five wickets in the 50-over format. He also has 137 runs to his name.
ALSO READ:
Vishal lost his father when he was just eight months old. Since then, it was his mother who raised him. As he grew older, cricket slowly turned from a pastime into a serious passion for Vishal. He realised early on that this was the path he wanted to pursue professionally, and Jayswal found his biggest source of strength at home: his mother.
Jayswal has been vocal about how it was his mother who stood firmly by his side and supported his decision to chase cricket seriously. Her belief in him gave Jayswal the confidence to keep pushing through challenges, long practice hours, and the ups and downs of domestic cricket, which also led to him becoming the highest-wicket-taker in the CK Nayudu Trophy 2022-23.
“The journey was extremely tough, but whatever I am today is because of my mother. Taking her to the awards function was one of the proudest moments of my life”, Jayswal said, speaking about the challenges he faced on his path to professional cricket.
Jayswal acknowledged how he takes inspiration from the path carved out earlier by Axar Patel, another left-arm spinner from the same region who went on to establish himself at the highest level. Watching Axar rise through the ranks served as a major source of motivation for Jayswal, who even went to the same academy where India’s T20I vice-captain trained.
Here’s what Jayswal had to say about how significant Axar has been in transforming his career.
“Axar bhai has helped me immensely, from my cricket kit to jerseys and bats. I look up to him as an inspiration and mentor. I’ve 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: ‘Batting mein dhyaan sirf ball pe rakho, aur bowling mein batsman ke pair aur wickets pe.’ Those tips have helped me a lot.”
Jayswal’s recent performance against Delhi naturally put him under the spotlight, especially after he deceived one of the game’s biggest modern-day icons. The dismissal resulted in widespread interest, with fans and pundits wanting to know more about the left-arm spinner’s background and future ambitions. Jayswal has found himself at the receiving end of many interviews and discussions.
During one such recent interaction with Sports Yaari, the conversation turned towards his long-term goals, particularly his IPL aspirations.
When asked about the franchise he would most like to represent, Jayswal did not hesitate in naming Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Gujarat spinner spoke with clear admiration for RCB, highlighting the appeal of playing for a marquee team and the opportunity of sharing the dressing room and the field with Virat Kohli as a major motivation in his cricketing dream.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
