New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Vijaykumar Vyshak remains unfazed by the batter at the opposite end when it’s his turn to bowl in the latter stages of an innings. He dismisses thoughts of the scoreboard, the crowd, or the outcome of the previous delivery. Instead, the Punjab Kings fast bowler focuses solely on his execution, which is what makes him a formidable bowler during the death overs.

This season, Vyshak has secured five wickets in just two matches for PBKS, outperforming his four wickets from the previous year. He has effectively utilized wide yorkers and slower bouncers to take down opponents like the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. As he gears up for the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Vyshak shares the mindset that has established him as a dependable pace bowler, especially when high scores of 200-plus have become the norm.

“Honestly, it’s all about my mindset when I’m bowling. If I’m feeling confident on that day, it’s a sign that I’m executing my yorkers well. The identity of the batter doesn’t concern me,” Vyshak explained.

“As long as I am fulfilling my responsibilities, I’m confident I can meet that challenge. Whether it results in a boundary or a six doesn’t matter. If it’s a quality shot, then I simply regroup and prepare to deliver the same ball again.”

“I constantly evaluate if I’m executing my variations, lengths, or yorkers correctly. If I do that, I know I’m in a positive mindset, and I believe I can turn the game in my team’s favor at any point,” Vyshak shared during a virtual roundtable with IANS on Sunday.

In the match against GT, Vyshak showcased his skills across various phases, making crucial breakthroughs towards the end of the innings. After conceding boundaries to Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill, he made a comeback by dismissing Glenn Phillips in the 14th over. In the final overs, he adeptly varied his pace, using a slower ball to get Washington Sundar caught at deep point, while a fuller delivery led to Shahrukh Khan being caught at deep square leg.

During PBKS’ recent victory over CSK, Vyshak employed the wide yorker strategy to eliminate the aggressive Ayush Mhatre and subsequently took down a charging Sarfaraz Khan, helping restrict the opposition to 209/5—a target that the visitors chased down comfortably. The wide yorker tactic originated from captain Shreyas Iyer, who noted that Mhatre had been scoring heavily on the leg side.

“The wide yorkers were a strategy devised by the captain since he was scoring freely on the leg side. We decided to challenge him to hit to the off side, as he hadn’t scored boundaries in that area. It worked well for us,” Vyshak recounted.

“We did concede a few boundaries, but we managed to lower the run rate. Given their aggressive approach, they seemed poised to reach 230, but we curtailed them to 210. Sure, we might have given away 10 extra runs with five fielders inside, but our bowling unit has been performing admirably,” he concluded.

Vyshak attributes his current success with PBKS to his recent domestic season with Karnataka, where he led the bowling attack despite the team struggling for trophies. He also reflects on the insights gained from his time with the India T20I team during their 2024 tour in South Africa and continues to aspire to play Test cricket for the country. He has no reservations about the impact player rule, especially since it allows him the chance to showcase his talent in the IPL.

“Without diligent practice in the nets, performing on such a grand stage would be impossible. I truly believe that the effort you put into practice is what reflects in your performance. I’m fortunate to have excellent coaches at home,” he stated.

“I draw inspiration from my Karnataka seniors who are excelling in the sport. I reach out to them whenever I have doubts. Even during the domestic season, I was the primary bowler, and I aimed to take charge and perform well for my team. Although we didn’t achieve team success, I gained immense confidence from that experience. Domestic cricket in India is a confidence booster due to the caliber of competition, with many players excelling—and the presence of Indian stars in the domestic season has been instrumental for me,” he elaborated.

As IPL 2026 approaches, Vyshak is equipped with new strategies, particularly leveraging video analysis in his pre-game preparation, and he looks forward to utilizing them when the opportunity arises. “Yes, variations are essential; at the start of a new season, one must be ready, knowing that everyone is analyzing your bowling,” he said.

“Every team employs a video analyst to study your bowling. You must keep improving. I make it a point to introduce a new delivery for myself each season. I’m focusing on enhancing my repertoire with additional slower deliveries and other variations, aiming to unveil them this season or next—time will tell,” he remarked.

For Vyshak, the unwavering support from Iyer, whose approach fosters a relaxed dressing room atmosphere, is vital for someone like him navigating the unpredictable landscape of T20 cricket.

“On the field, he’s been incredibly encouraging. He consistently supports his bowlers and players, regardless of their performance. This aspect is crucial for a bowler, especially in the IPL, where one might experience a few challenging games. When you approach him after a tough match, he reassures you, saying, ‘Don’t worry, it’s just one game.’ He creates a light-hearted environment, treating all players equally, whether it’s Ricky, myself, or anyone else.”

“This has made us feel comfortable and open. I can approach him anytime; his door is always open. This openness is something we appreciate because he’s a senior who has excelled in this format and is poised to lead India soon. When someone of his stature says, ‘You can come and talk to me whenever you want,’ it’s a comforting assurance,” he concluded.