Who is Vishal Jayswal? 5 interesting facts about Gujarat all-rounder who dismissed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Gujarat all-rounder Vishal Jayswal made heads turn among Indian cricket fans by dismissing a well-set Virat Kohli in Round 2 of the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). With the champion batter motoring along to seemingly another century, the 27-year-old ended the fun on 77.

Vishal followed one superstar batter's dismissal with another by cleaning up Rishabh Pant later in the same innings for 70. The left-arm spinner finished with outstanding figures of 4/42 in 10 overs against a star-studded Delhi unit.

Despite Gujarat ultimately falling short in the contest, Vishal ensured to grab the headlines with his stellar showing and the massive scalps of Kohli and Pant. Given his heroics, it is only fair that more eyeballs will be on the 27-year-old when he next takes the field.

With that in mind, let us explore five interesting facts about Vishal Jayswal during his dominant run in the ongoing 2025-26 VHT.

#1 Virat Kohli's heartwarming gesture for Vishal Jayswal

Virat Kohli is renowned for being among the most approachable cricketers to young and upcoming players. Despite being cut short on his path to another List-A century, the champion batter signed the match ball for Vishal Jayswal after the game.

Vishal shared his delight at Kohli's gesture on his Instagram handle, captioning the post:

"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."

Vishal deceived Kohli in the air with his guile and had him stumped in the Delhi-Gujarat contest.

#2 A forgettable professional debut

Vishal Jayswal has come a long way in his professional career, considering his forgettable debut for Gujarat in 2022. The all-rounder's first game came in the season's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Baroda.

Surprisingly, Vishal did not bowl a single over in the contest as Baroda were bowled out for 153 in their 20 overs. The souhtpaw came into bat at No.7 in a tense run-chase but had to walk back for a first-ball duck in his maiden innings.

While Gujarat eventually won off the final ball, Vishal endured a professional debut like very few with ball and bat.

#3 Vishal Jayswal has completed the rare first-class double

It is not often that a relative newcomer completes major milestones with bat and ball in first-class cricket. However, Vishal Jayswal has already scored a century and picked up a five-wicket haul in 11 first-class matches.

Renowned more for his bowling, where he boasts excellent first-class numbers with 40 wickets at an average of 23.52, his batting is not to be overlooked. The left-hander averages close to 25 in first-class cricket with the willow, having scored over 50 twice in 17 innings.

#4 Magical 2025/26 season across formats

2025 has well and truly been the coming-out party for Vishal Jaywal across formats in domestic cricket. Despite playing for Gujarat since 2022, the 27-year-old became their go-to bowler this season.

Vishal is in the middle of a phenomenal run in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy, sitting on 27 wickets in five matches at an average of under 20. He has also contributed with bat, averaging over 16 with a half-century.

Vishal recently impressed as an all-rounder in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy 2025/26, finishing with five wickets at an average of 26.40 and scoring 77 runs at an average of 15.40 and a strike rate of over 122 in seven games.

The 27-year-old has continued his excellent run in the ongoing VHT 2025-26, picking up five wickets and scoring 26 runs through the first two rounds.

#5 A First Breakthrough at the Junior Level

Vishal Jayswal was a name first heard among ardent Indian fans after the 2022-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy. The tournament saw the all-rounder deliver stellar performances, finishing with an extraordinary 70 wickets at an average of under 16.

Vishal was also the leading wicket-taker in the competition, producing an incredible seven 5-wicket hauls, and helping Gujarat win their maiden title with a win over Mumbai in the final. The left-arm spinner picked up eight wickets in the final, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran