Vijaykumar Vyshak, the 27-year-old fast bowler, recently received his first international call-up for India’s four-match T20I series in South Africa this November. He described the moment as a “dream come true,” highlighting the significance of his selection after years of dedicated effort. Vyshak’s commitment to becoming a fit athlete has been key to this achievement, underscoring the behind-the-scenes hard work that led to this milestone.
Transformation: From Overweight to IPL Star
Vyshak shared his fitness journey, revealing how he transitioned from being an overweight youth to a professional cricketer. He recalled a pivotal moment when, years ago, he looked in the mirror and saw someone who didn’t resemble a cricketer. This realization prompted him to prioritize fitness, which transformed his cricketing career.
He acknowledged that for a long time, being labelled “fat” did not bother him. However, once he decided to focus on fitness, he embraced a rigorous training regime. This dedication has not only improved his fitness but also his performance, leading him to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has taken 13 wickets in 11 matches.
“I am speechless. An India call-up is what every cricketer aspires for. It’s a dream come true,” Vyshak told TOI. “For a long time, people called me fat and it never really bothered me. A few years ago, I looked at myself in the mirror and I didn’t see a cricketer. What I saw was an overweight youngster, who was struggling with his cricket. That day, I told myself, fitness is everything, work on it,” he added.
A Journey of Adaptability and Guidance
Vyshak’s success is also a result of guidance from key mentors, including former India bowling coach Bharat Arun. He credits Arun for helping him refine his bowling technique, especially during challenging times when he struggled with weight and action inconsistencies. Arun’s training sessions provided Vyshak with the confidence to excel.
Vyshak also emphasized his adaptability, drawing from his experience with RCB, where he bowled in various match situations. This versatility, he believes, will be an asset in the international arena. With 42 wickets in 30 T20 matches and notable performances in first-class and List-A cricket, Vyshak is ready to make his mark for India, hoping to seize every opportunity that comes his way.
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