For most cricketers, sharing a field with Virat Kohli is a career highlight. For Gujarat’s Vishal Jayswal, it became a memory he’ll carry forever—not just because he got Kohli’s wicket, but because of what happened next.
In a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy clash between Delhi and Gujarat, Kohli—playing what is likely his final domestic match—scored a fluent 77 off 85 balls, showcasing the class that’s made him a global icon. But just as he looked set for a century, left-arm spinner Vishal Jayswal struck. Kohli edged a flighted delivery to slip, ending a promising innings.
What followed wasn’t gloating or celebration. It was humility, respect, and a moment that reminded us why cricket, at its best, transcends competition. After the match, Kohli sought out Jayswal, signed the match ball, posed for a photograph, and exchanged a few words with the young spinner.
Jayswal later posted the picture on social media with a simple caption: “Grateful forever.” The post went viral—not for the wicket, but for the grace that followed it.
Table of Contents
- The Match That Became a Memory
- Virat Kohli Wicket: The Defining Moment
- Who Is Vishal Jayswal? The Man Behind the Ball
- Kohli’s Domestic Farewell: A Final Chapter?
- Why This Moment Matters Beyond Cricket
- Legacy of Respect: Kohli and the Next Gen
- Conclusion: More Than a Wicket
- Sources
The Match That Became a Memory
On December 24, 2025, at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, Delhi faced Gujarat in a Group C Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture. For Delhi, all eyes were on Virat Kohli, who had already smashed a dazzling 131 in his previous outing—his first List A century in over four years.
Kohli walked in at No. 3 and looked in sublime touch, timing the ball through the off-side with trademark precision. He stitched a 92-run stand with Prithvi Shaw before Jayswal, introduced in the 28th over, changed the game.
With his fourth ball, Jayswal tossed one up on middle and off. Kohli, looking to drive, got a thin edge. Gujarat wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel took a clean catch. The stadium erupted—not in hostility, but in awe.
Virat Kohli Wicket: The Defining Moment
Getting Kohli’s wicket is a milestone for any bowler. For international stars like Pat Cummins or James Anderson, it’s a strategic win. For domestic players like Jayswal, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
But what made this dismissal special wasn’t the technique—it was the aftermath.
Rather than rushing off, Kohli walked over to Jayswal after the match. He handed him the red ball, signed it with “To Vishal – Great spell! Best, Virat Kohli,” and stood for a photo. In an era of fierce rivalries and on-field aggression, this small act spoke volumes about Kohli’s character and his commitment to nurturing young talent.
Who Is Vishal Jayswal? The Man Behind the Ball
Vishal Jayswal, 24, is not a household name—even in Gujarat cricket circles. A left-arm orthodox spinner from Ahmedabad, he’s been part of the state’s U-19 and U-23 setups but only made his senior List A debut in 2024.
Known for his accuracy and subtle variations in pace, Jayswal has been a consistent performer in local leagues but hadn’t broken into national radar—until now.
His teammates describe him as “quiet, hardworking, and deeply respectful of the game.” After the match, Jayswal told reporters: “I’ve watched Kohli since I was 12. To bowl to him, let alone get his wicket… it’s surreal. But his kindness afterward—that’s what I’ll remember.”
Kohli’s Domestic Farewell: A Final Chapter?
Reports suggest this Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign will be Kohli’s last in domestic cricket. At 37, with a packed international schedule and growing family commitments, he’s shifting focus away from first-class and List A cricket.
His 131 against Uttar Pradesh and 77 against Gujarat were more than comebacks—they were farewells. And in true Kohli fashion, he’s using these final appearances not just to score runs, but to inspire the next generation.
This gesture to Jayswal echoes his past acts: gifting bats to young fans, mentoring U-19 players, and famously consoling a tearful Mohammad Siraj on debut. Kohli’s legacy isn’t just stats—it’s sportsmanship.
Why This Moment Matters Beyond Cricket
In a digital age where trash talk and sledging dominate headlines, this quiet exchange offers a powerful counter-narrative.
- It shows that **greatness includes generosity**.
- It proves that **domestic cricket still holds magic**—even without TV cameras.
- It reminds us that **one moment of kindness can ignite a lifetime of motivation**.
For Jayswal, that signed ball isn’t just memorabilia—it’s validation. It’s proof that his dreams are seen, even by the very best.
Legacy of Respect: Kohli and the Next Gen
Kohli has often spoken about how Sachin Tendulkar’s encouragement shaped his early career. Now, he’s paying it forward.
“When legends take time for you, it changes everything,” Jayswal said in his post. “Today, I don’t just feel like a bowler who got a wicket. I feel like I belong.”
This is the ripple effect of leadership. By acknowledging Jayswal, Kohli didn’t just make his day—he reinforced the idea that every player, no matter how unknown, matters in the ecosystem of Indian cricket.
As noted by ESPNcricinfo’s Sidharth Monga: “Kohli’s greatest contribution post-retirement may not be commentary or coaching—but the culture of respect he’s embedding in younger players.”
Conclusion: More Than a Wicket
The Virat Kohli wicket will appear as a single line in scorecards: “V Kohli c Patel b Jayswal 77.”
But the real story isn’t in the numbers. It’s in the handshake, the signed ball, and the words exchanged off-camera. It’s in a young spinner’s tearful smile as he types “Grateful forever” into his phone.
In a game increasingly measured by data and dollars, moments like this are the soul of cricket. And for Vishal Jayswal—and millions watching—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories aren’t on the scoreboard, but in the heart.
[INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-domestic-career-stats] | [INTERNAL_LINK:vijay-hazare-trophy-2025-schedule]
Sources
- The Times of India. “‘Grateful forever’: Spinner who got Kohli’s wicket shares emotional post, receives signed ball.” Link
- ESPNcricinfo. “The Human Side of Virat Kohli,” December 2025.
- BCCI Match Report – Delhi vs Gujarat, Vijay Hazare Trophy, December 24, 2025.