‘I will still try to get Virat Kohli out’: Punjab Kings rookie Vishal Nishad eyes dream duel in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings signed uncapped spinner Vishal Nishad for ₹30 lakh, and ahead of his debut IPL season, he opened up about facing Virat Kohli.

Updated on: Mar 24, 2026, 06:11:53 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Vishal Nishad is looking forward to facing his idol Virat Kohli in his debut IPL campaign. Signed by Punjab Kings, the mystery spinner was purchased at his base price of ₹30 lakh. He was unsold in the first round, but in the third round, PBKS raised the paddle. A huge fan of Kohli, he also wanted his jersey number (18), but teammate Priyansh Arya has already taken it. So he has gone for 81 instead.

PBKS rookie Vishal Nishad is looking forward to face Virat Kohli.

During his glittering career, Kohli has often struggled against spin. Although he has shown improvements in his T20 strike rate against spin, opposition skippers tend to use spinners against the veteran.

Also Read: Ex-India opener takes potshots at Riyan Parag's appointment as Rajasthan Royals captain: ‘He’s treated like king'

‘I will face Virat Kohli twice this season’: Vishal Nishad

"I haven’t met him yet, but I will face him twice this season," said Nishad, while speaking on PBKS' YouTube channel.

"Off the field I will talk to him, try to learn from him," he said.

"On the field — same attitude. I will still try to get him out.”

Nishad was an unknown player before the mini auction, but PBKS had a clue. His father is a painter in Madraha, a small village 13 km from Gokarhpur. He began playing with the leather ball only four years ago, and quickly became a key cog in the Gokarkhpur Lions unit, a UPT20 League franchise.

Former Uttar Pradesh skipper and PBKS scout Ankit Rajpoot vouched for him, and it paid off in the end, as the franchise signed him. Rajpoot is also the head coach of Gorakhpur Lions.

Meanwhile, Kohli will enter the IPL 2026 campaign as defending champions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener on March 28. In the first leg of fixtures released, RCB aren't facing PBKS.

For Nishad, this is a huge move. Opening up on when cricket felt like a distant dream, he said, "There were days when I went with my father to help him with his work. On those days, I felt like just giving up cricket."

His mother also asked him to quit cricket. "She said cricket is too difficult, too many people are trying. Leave it, do something else."

"I told her — Maa, I will do this. I will make it," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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