IPL 2023: Siraj’s advice boosted my confidence: Vaishak Vijayakumar

Bengaluru : Vaishak Vijayakumar destroyed the batting of the opposition team by taking three wickets in his debut match. However, not many know that it was Mohammed Siraj’s advice that supported the young Vaishak when he was ready to bowl in front of 40,000 RCB fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the first IPL match of his career. He revealed how advice from veteran bowler Siraj boosted his confidence.

Vaishak said, “It was really nice talking to Mohammed Siraj. He is an amazing bowler and has been doing well for RCB for a long time. Siraj advised me and told me that there will be nervousness, but don’t worry about it and just believe in yourself. Keep doing what you’ve been doing for so long and try to enjoy yourself.” The debut match was special for fast bowler Vaishak as his parents were also present to watch their son’s first IPL match.

Vaishak’s parents said, “I am very happy that Vaishak got important wickets in the match. I really enjoyed the match, and especially his bowling as he bowled with good line and length. He hit the ball in the right places and the variation was great, so I’m proud of his performance.” Vaishak caught the attention of RCB while the team’s inner-region scouting system noticed his performance and was offered a chance to join the team as a net bowler.

His bowling impressed head coach Sanjay Bangar and Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson and the Karnataka boy was given his first chance to represent RCB. Vaishak’s parents said, “When he called us and said that the team management has called Vaishak for a meeting, we were very surprised. We are proud to have Vaishak as a part of the RCB team. Vaishak made his dreams come true.

Vaishak, who came into the team as a replacement for batsman Rajat Patidar, also echoed his parents’ sentiments and said he felt on top of the world after a stellar performance in his debut IPL match. Vaishak said after his dream debut, “Playing for RCB is a dream and I am lucky to be a part of it and play. I was nervous for the first few balls, but after a few overs, I felt I deserved to be here.” I feel like I am on top of the world at the moment.”

Vaishak kept the batsman under pressure with the right line and length during the match, but found it difficult to contain his excitement when he was invited for a meeting with Sanjay Bangar and Mike Hasan a day before the match. Vaishak said, “Sanjay Bangar sir and Mike Hesson sir called me for a meeting a day before the match and after asking a few questions they said if we say you are going to make your debut tomorrow, how would you feel? So I was speechless.”