Chandigarh: For Punjab Kings (PBKS) seamer Vijaykumar Vyshak, IPL 2026 has begun on a resounding note. His match-winning spell against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the season opener at New Chandigarh offered a compelling glimpse of his evolution into a mature and dependable performer.
Having made a promising IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2023, the Karnataka pacer is now turning heads in his second stint with PBKS, armed with improved control, composure, and a repertoire of clever variations. His astute reading of conditions—particularly during the death overs of a rain-affected contest—proved decisive. Vyshak removed key finishers Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan in the 19th over, ensuring GT were restricted to a below-par 162/6.
His first breakthrough set the tone. With a well-disguised slower ball, he dismissed the dangerous Glenn Phillips, halting GT’s momentum at 119/3 in the 14th over—a point from which the visitors struggled to recover.
“I really enjoyed that first wicket. Getting an early breakthrough in the season builds confidence and helps you settle in. All three wickets today were well planned and executed,” said Vyshak, who returned impressive figures of 3/34 after being introduced in the fifth over.
The 29-year-old credited captain Shreyas Iyer and senior pacer Arshdeep Singh for their guidance on the field. “Shreyas bhai spoke to me, along with Arshdeep, and that really helped me execute my plans better. That clarity and backing from the leadership group make a big difference,” he noted.
Iyer, too, was effusive in his praise for the seamer while highlighting the team’s tactical awareness. “After the third over, we realised the wicket was on the slower side. Arshdeep mentioned it was holding a bit, so we tried to age the ball as quickly as possible. Vyshak is carrying forward the form he showed last season… he’s a big-match player,” said the PBKS skipper.
Known for his deceptive off-cutters and calm execution under pressure, Vyshak has steadily climbed the domestic ranks, earning a maiden India call-up for the T20I series against South Africa in late 2024. PBKS secured the homegrown talent for ₹1.80 crore at the 2025 mega auction—a move that is already reaping rewards.
“Regardless of the opposition, my focus is always on giving my best. There’s healthy competition in the team, and when you get an opportunity, you want to make it count,” said Vyshak, who now has 20 wickets from 17 IPL matches.
Reflecting on his approach, he added, “It’s about sticking to your routines and correcting what didn’t go wrong. For me, it’s about consistently hitting the right lengths. Every day is a new challenge, and we want to play like champions—that mindset has been building since last season.”
With Lockie Ferguson unavailable, added responsibility will rest on Vyshak to shoulder the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, with Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett providing support.
Even GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel acknowledged PBKS’s bowling acumen, noting how effectively they adapted to the conditions—particularly in the closing overs—which proved pivotal in their three-wicket win.
“We’ll take it one game at a time. What’s done is done—we’ll take the positives, regroup, and focus on the next challenge in Chennai,” Vyshak signed off.
