In the IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Vijayakumar Vyshak was brought in as an Impact Player for Punjab Kings when GT required 75 runs from six overs with eight wickets remaining. With Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford at the crease, the situation appeared favorable for GT, especially given the pitch conditions and the significant dew. However, Vyshak's entry dramatically altered the course of the match. The right-arm pacer from Karnataka executed wide yorkers with precision, conceding only 28 runs across his three overs. He bowled during the 15th, 17th, and 19th overs, effectively restricting the GT batters. Ultimately, PBKS secured victory by 11 runs.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of PBKS, received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding innings of 97* off 42 balls. However, former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin contended that Vyshak deserved the accolade. Ashwin noted that the Karnataka fast bowler had spent most of the match on the bench, serving drinks, before being called upon to bowl in a critical moment.

"One individual was providing water to every player on the field and was seated in the dugout wearing a bib. The match was finely poised, with Gujarat perhaps having a slight edge. Sherfane Rutherford and Jos Buttler were performing well. Out of the blue, they summoned Vijaykumar Vyshak in the 14th over and asked him to help us regain control of the game. PBKS was in a precarious position. He bowled exceptionally well in the 17th and 19th overs. While he didn’t take a wicket, his death bowling was remarkable," Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel.

‘Vyshak is my MVP’: Ashwin

The Chennai Super Kings player praised Vyshak for his exceptional clarity of thought in high-pressure situations and emphasized the effectiveness of a low full toss.

"His thinking was remarkably clear, and his execution was excellent. He successfully delivered wide yorkers, and while there were a few full tosses, I advised the bowlers not to shy away from bowling full tosses. Nowadays, the ball often behaves beautifully off the pitch, catching batters off guard with full tosses. In my opinion, Vyshak was the most valuable player. Vijayakumar Vyshak deserved to be named Player of the Match," Ashwin remarked.

GT spinner Sai Kishore expressed disappointment that GT did not manage to hit more boundaries throughout the innings.

“This is just the first game of the season. We will learn and grow together. We will return stronger and focus on the areas that need improvement to compete effectively,” he stated.

“We were on track with Sai (Sudharsan) and Jos Buttler performing well. However, in the final five overs, I must admit, (Vijaykumar) Vyshak bowled exceptionally well. All credit goes to Vyshak for his execution of yorkers.

“To be honest, while it’s easy for me to say, we could have aimed for more boundaries instead of solely seeking sixes. This is a lesson for us moving forward, and we will certainly work on that,” he added.

Read Also: Shreyas Iyer’s Earpiece Surprise: PBKS’ Bold Strategy Leaves Experts Stunned!

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