Virat Kohli’s Encouraging Words to Wicket-Taker Goes Viral After Vijay Hazare Trophy Match

Although falling short of a second century, Virat Kohli’s stellar form persists this Vijay Hazare Trophy season, having hit a hundred and a fifty.

Virat Kohli’s Encouraging Words to Wicket-Taker Goes Viral After Vijay Hazare Trophy Match

Gujarat spinner Vishal Jayswal revealed the valuable advice that he received from Virat Kohli, after VHT encounter. (via News 18)

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Returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a long time, Virat Kohli has captivated audiences through both his batting prowess and his commitment to mentoring the next generation. The 37-year-old had similarly encouraging words for Gujarat spinner Vishal Jayswal. 

Virat Kohli has been in ecstatic form in the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy season, after making his much-anticipated comeback into the Delhi side after 15 years. His performances not only propelled Delhi to consecutive victories, but also saw him become the fastest to score 16,000 runs in List-A cricket. In two matches so far, the 37-year-old Indian cricketing icon has scored 208 runs at an average of 104, including a masterclass 131 against Andhra Pradesh. 

Kohli’s exceptional rhythm continued in Delhi’s second VHT encounter against Gujarat, where he steered his team to a competitive 254-run first innings total with 77 runs off 61 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. The former India captain, however, was dismissed by left-arm orthodox spinner Vishal Jayswal during the innings. For the 27-year-old Gujarat all-rounder, it will remain a highlight of his professional journey.

Jayswal tempted Kohli to step out and attempt a big hit in the 22nd over, but the ball spun past his bat, with wicket-keeper Urvil Patel wasting no time to remove the bails. Although Gujarat ultimately fell short by a narrow seven-run margin, Vishal Jayswal finished with career-best List-A figures of 4/42. His day was made complete when Kohli signed the match ball for him and even offered some good advice.

In a conversation with the Times of India, Vishal Jayswal shared the invaluable insights he gained from Virat Kohli, highlighting the veteran’s encouragement to persist with his bowling. Furthermore, Jayswal admitted that he was praised by Kohli, who also advised him to work hard and strive for an opportunity. Furthermore, Jayswal opened up about the guidance that he received from Gujarat skipper Axar Patel, whom he considers an inspiration. 

Achha ball daalta hai. Hard work karta rah. Opportunity aayega, wait kar and mehnat kar [You bowl really well. Keep working hard. Wait for an opportunity.]

Coming back to Virat Kohli’s stats against Vishal Jayswal throughout the match, the batter struggled against the left-arm spin, having a comparatively lower strike rate of just 40. Jayswal now has five wickets to his name in the 2025-26 VHT, having bowled at a decent average of 13.40.

Navjot Singh Sidhu wished for Virat Kohli to come out of red-ball retirement

Former Indian cricketer-turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu made a deeply emotional appeal for Virat Kohli to come out of Test retirement. He shared this emotional message on social media, expressing his clear preference for the 37-year-old veteran. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu on Virat Kohli Test
Navjot Singh Sidhu urged Virat Kohli to come out of Test retirement. (via Hindustan Times)

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May this year, bringing an end to his glorious decade-long career in the longest format of the game. Kohli also remains one of the most influential as well as successful captains in red-ball cricket, having led India to historic series victories in Australia, England and South Africa, while boasting a career tally of 9,230 runs in 123 matches.

Navjot Singh Sidhu took to social media to share his admiration for Kohli, while revealing that the one wish he would have made to God was for the veteran Indian batter to come out of Test retirement. He noted that Virat Kohli’s Test return would bring collective joy to the millions of fans, and complemented the 37-year-old’s unmatched fitness, exclaiming that Kohli has a physique similar to that of a 24-year-old.

Kohli has also retired from T20Is, making him an active player in ODIs only. Earlier this month, in a three-match One-Day series against South Africa at home, he won the Player of the Series award for scoring 302 runs in three matches, including two hundreds and a fifty. 

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