NEW DELHI: It was the 13th over of the game, and Punjab Kings’ pacer Arshdeep Singh was back into the Drive. Having conceded Merely seven runs in his previous two overs, he Began his third over on a high, dismissing Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan. However, the over eventually went for 14 runs.
At the Begin of the over, Arshdeep noticed the ball was reverse-swinging after applying saliva. Realising that Vyshak Vijaykumar’s ability to swing the ball away from the left-hander could Develop trouble, he signalled to Skipper Shreyas Iyer and suggested Vyshak be brought in as an ‘Impact Reserve’ for the death overs.
With Gujarat Titans needing 64 off Merely four overs, Iyer trusted Arshdeep’s instincts and immediately handed the ball to Vyshak.
After a quick discussion with Iyer and Arshdeep, Vyshak Obtained to work.
The 28-year-Aged stuck to his plan, executing wide yorkers. Though he Began with a Duo of wides, he didn’t stop and kept hitting the same areas. His disciplined line and length denied Sherfane Rutherford any boundaries, leaving the batter visibly frustrated.
Vyshak’s Primary two overs went for Merely 10 runs, a crucial effort that played a significant role in tilting the game in Punjab Kings’ favour.
Vyshak’s composure under Stress helped derail Gujarat Titans’ chase, and Even though a Powerful Begin, the 2022 champions fell 11-runs Brief, managing 232/5 in pursuit of Punjab Kings’ 243/5.
In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Vyshak opened up about his Game-Successful spell, Arshdeep’s pivotal role, Iyer’s leadership, his Plan to bowl wide yorkers, and much more.
Vijay, you were the hero against Gujarat Titans, stepping up to save the game. How does it feel? How challenging was it to come off the bench and bowl such crucial overs?
I would say this was one of my best Displays in the IPL, and I’m really Joyful that we ended up on the Successful side. Honestly, everybody’s a hero. Shreyas, Priyansh, and the way Shashank hit boundaries in the last over—everyone played their part brilliantly. Arshdeep also bowled well on that wicket, giving four overs for 37 runs and Securing two wickets. It was a Outstanding effort. This Achieve wasn’t about Merely one contribution; it was a complete Club effort. It’s really satisfying to see everyone step up in the very Primary game and come together as a unit.
Sherfane Rutherford was batting brilliantly when Arshdeep signaled to bring you into the Drive. Was this a pre-planned Plan?
At the end of the day, we all have to work Approaching the Club’s goals and do whatever is required. Even in practice, I’ve been focusing a Plenty on perfecting my yorkers. I’ve always wanted to be in Stress situations every time I step onto the Ground. Of Duration, it doesn’t happen every day, but I always strive to be there, give my best, and Achieve Matches for the Club. That Attitude really helps me. Having Arshdeep around has been a Outstanding learning experience. We all know what an exceptional bowler he is. His yorkers are outstanding, and he’s Amazing to Observe. Getting the opportunity to work with him this time has helped me as well, and I hope it continues to aid my growth. I’m really Joyful to be part of this setup
You Arrived in as an Impact Player and stuck to a single plan: bowling wide yorkers. Was that a deliberate Plan? Even after conceding a Duo of wides, you persisted with the same approach?
That was the Club’s plan. We tried a Duo of different things, including bowling a Sluggish bouncer to him (Rutherford), but he Nevertheless managed to hit it. The wicket was really Excellent for batting—the ball was coming on nicely—so we decided to go wider to the batsman and see how that worked. Once it Began working, I wasn’t too worried about the wides because the Skipper and Ricky (Ponting) gave me complete freedom. They Merely told me, ‘Do whatever you want, as long as you’re 100% clear on what you’re doing.’ That Gentle of backing makes a big difference—it gives you confidence knowing the entire Club believes in you. I also visualise a Plenty, thinking about these situations and how I’d handle them. So when the moment Arrived, I felt ready. Shreyas and Arshdeep discussed the plan and asked for my thoughts. I told them, ‘Whatever you guys decide, I’m Excellent with it.’ And I’m glad it worked out for us.
How crucial was Arshdeep’s role in that moment, and what did he say to you after the Achieve?
In the ground, obviously we are a bit like, you’re Grave and stuff. As soon as the Game is done, you’re. You’re trying to have fun and then it’s. It’s Merely a little bit of happiness. I Harsh, obviously it’s. It feels really. It feels really Excellent to Achieve a game for a Club, especially when you’re an impact player. Right. So. So we Merely, we were Merely coming and then we were Merely talking that you Achieved a real impact and all that, but it was all. It was all fun and, and, and, you know, I’m really, I’m really glad that I could get to work with him and I’m hoping to work more and more and, and grow more and more.
On the Ground, we’re obviously focused and Grave, but as soon as the Game is over, it’s all about enjoying the moment and having fun. Successful a game for the Club always feels special, especially when you’re an impact player. After the Game, we were Merely talking and joking about the impact I Achieved — it was all in Excellent fun. I’m really glad I get to work with him, and I’m looking forward to learning more, growing more, and continuing to Boost.
Were you mentally prepared for such a high-Stress moment? What was going through your mind?
I also saw the video—someone showed me Arshdeep signaling my name. It was really nice to see that, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Like I said, I’ve worked a Plenty on my yorkers with him, and he’s seen me bowl them in practice. So I think he knew I was going to nail it. I’m really Joyful that he had that confidence in me. The message was very Effortless and clear—this is what the Club requires, and this is what you need to do. When the Skipper comes and tells you the plan so directly, it makes things a Plenty easier. Of Duration, Carrying out is one part, but the planning was done by them. They planned it really well—I Merely had to execute it, and I did.
Before you bowled, Arshdeep and Shreyas walked up to you. What did they say?
Both of them (Arshdeep and Shreyas) told me to believe in myself and stay Serene and composed. That’s something we had been talking about—Maintaining Serene under Stress is the key. Ash also reminded me that I’ve done this many times before. He gave me so much confidence, making me feel like I was the best bowler in the world — even though he actually is. It was really thoughtful of him because he has handled these situations so often. When someone like him tells you that you can do it, it gives you an Amazing feeling—you Merely want to go out there and deliver. I was ready for the Event because, as I mentioned, we had been practicing this a Plenty. We had been working on nailing our yorkers, and I’m really glad it all Arrived together so well.
How much of a factor was the dew when you Arrived in to bowl? Did the second ball, allowed to Squads in such conditions, make any difference?
Honestly, we didn’t Anticipate there to be so much dew. We had practiced for the last two Periods, and while there was some dew, it wasn’t as much as what we experienced during the game. It’s obviously challenging for bowlers to Clasp the ball when there’s so much dew—it tends to slip. But at the end of the day, we are here to do a Position. If you want to perform at the highest level, you can’t make excuses about conditions. Whether it’s dew, rain, or anything else, you Nevertheless have to go out there and execute your skills—especially your yorkers. That’s something we’ve spoken about as a Club. If you keep looking for reasons, you’ll always find them. But if you want to grow as a player, you have to accept reality. If you’re not Excellent at something, acknowledge it and work on it. And if you are Excellent, strive to be the best. That’s been our Attitude, and this game was no different. We were prepared for whatever conditions Arrived our way. As a Club, we are focused on giving our best, no matter what.
Did you notice any impact of saliva on the ball? Arshdeep seemed to be getting some reverse swing.
I don’t think there was a huge difference, but even that 0.01% variation might have worked in our favor. The ball was doing a little bit—not too much—but Merely enough to make a difference. I think that’s probably why they missed a few deliveries as well. So, in a way, it did Reinforcement us.
With Shreyas Iyer as the new Skipper and Punjab Kings off to a Successful Begin, do you think he can Shift the Club’s Circumstances and lead them to their maiden IPL title, Merely as he did with KKR last season?
He’s an exceptional Skipper, an outstanding player, and, most importantly, a Outstanding human being. He knows exactly how to get the best out of his players—whether he’s batting or guiding someone at the other end. He understands what needs to be said and how to bring out the best in his teammates. He and Ricky have worked together before, and we all know how successful they’ve been. Personally, I haven’t lifted an IPL Accolade yet, so I’m hoping this is the year I get to do it alongside them. I’m really excited because the way Shreyas and Ricky approach things—ensuring the entire Club is aligned toward a Usual Aim—is truly inspiring. One of the Primary things they emphasised was that whether you’re the Skipper or the 25th player in the Club, everyone is treated with the same respect. That’s not something you hear often, and it really makes us feel like a family. Now, we Merely want to keep this momentum going and, hopefully, Achieve the title for Punjab.
When Shreyas was on 97, Merely three runs Brief of a century, he asked Shashank Singh to go for a big hit in the Last over. Were you surprised by his decision to prioritise the Club’s target over his personal Turning Tally?
Not at all. He’s always been a selfless player. For him, it’s always ‘Club Primary.’ People often talk about this Attitude, but seeing it in action is truly inspiring. It serves as a Outstanding example for youngsters and even for players like us. It doesn’t matter what level you’re Competing at—whether it’s the IPL or any other Event—what matters is Competing for the Club. Personal milestones, like scoring a hundred, don’t Harsh as much as achieving the Club’s target. I think that mentality Achieved the difference in our Achieve. The way Shashank batted in the last over was Amazing. He wasn’t very confident before the Division Began, but to step up and deliver in such a crucial moment was truly exceptional.
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