Vyshak Vijaykumar Story: From An Overweight, Unsure Kid To Team India For SA Tour

Nearly five years ago, Vyshak Vijaykumar stood in front of mirror at his home and wept.

reflection he saw was t that of a top-level pace bowler, but of a plump young man whose cricketing dreams have been pegged back.

Vyshak's fitness was far beyond ideal n and his action was all over place, cutting his pace by a couple of yards.

"He was nervous and unsure as he did t kw what his future was. He told us that he was overweight and was t able to leap properly while bowling and he feared that his career would come to an end," Vijaykumar, far of Vyshak, told PTI, after his son was drafted into India squ to tour South Africa for four T20Is.

But around this time, Vyshak, w 27, got a chance to work with former India pacer and bowling coach Bharat Arun in Chennai.

"It was a good opportunity for him because Arun is a very experienced coach. He helped him with his action and also to cut down his weight. He trained with him for a few weeks and came back a totally changed bowler and person," he said.

In this period, Vyshak also received copious help from former athlete and coach BP Aiyappa and trainers Sai Prasanna and Puneeth.

But Vyshak was also fortunate to get guidance from former India and Karnataka pacer Abhimanyu Mithun during his initial days with state Ranji Trophy team during 2021-22 season.

Mithun, himself a fitness savant, was impressed by Vyshak's attitude towards sport, and took him under his wing.

"He was a very enthusiastic young bowler who wanted to learn and improve. Even n he h a lot of skills, but just h to concentrate on his fitness, so that he could play to his full potential.

"Our focus was on fitness and he followed all tips regularly which I think helped him later to get a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru," Mithun told PTI.

Vijaykumar agreed upon point. "Initially, Vyshak was disappointed that he could t get an IPL contract, despite having trials with Chennai Super Kings , Luckw Super Giants and Mumbai Indians .

"But n Rajat Patidar got injured and RCB drafted him in as a replacement. n we told him that many more things will come your way, if you stay focussed on cricket and stay true to your roots," he ded.

Vyshak did precisely that.

After getting selected to India for upcoming white-ball trip to South Africa, one of early phone calls he me was to his childhood coach, Devnath, who is w largely confined to his home owing to modest health.

"Vyshak wanted his blessings and both were crying in fact. Devnath used to tell me long back: 'di Vijaya, Vyshak prathibavantha hudaga. Avannanu cricket aisi (Look Vijaya, he is a talented boy and make him play cricket at any cost." Vijay followed words of experienced coach, who himself was an acclaimed player in state's club cricket circuit.

first hint of his travel to next level came when Vyshak received BCCI pace bowler's contract, which his state teammate Vidwath Kaverappa is also a part of, last season.

"I took his vice, but I h to leave my job at Hindustan Lever to travel with him for matches and practice.

"But as Devnath once said, all our efforts have eventually paid off. Hopefully, he will get a chance to show his skills in South Africa," Vijay signed off.