Maharaja Trophy 2024: Gulbarga Mystics’ Vyshak Vijaykumar Taking Inspiration From RCB Teammates Heading Into New Season

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Gulbarga Mystics' Vice-Captain Vyshak Vijaykumar has said that he wants to bring the work ethic and lessons he learned from his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates when he takes the field during the Maharaja Trophy 2024.

Inspired by his RCB teammates like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj, pacer Vyshak is set to bring his experience and newfound confidence to the Maharaja Trophy campaign.

The Karnataka pacer, who has been picked for the Duleep Trophy, admired Kohli's training methods and the confidence the star Indian batter carries whenever he stepped into the field.

"Training with Virat Kohli can really impact you as a player. Last season, while I admired him, I paid attention to the finer details such as his work ethic, his process, and his consistency," Vyshak said.

"Whether it's his eating habits or practice routine, everything is done with precision. It's admirable how confident he is before every game, and now I try to have the same confidence every time I step onto the field."

As a senior player, Vyshak will also be committed to mentoring the younger squad members, drawing inspiration from the advice he received from senior players like Siraj.

"In my first game for RCB, I did well, but then I conceded 60 runs in the next match." he recalled. "Siraj told me, 'This is the game, and this is the challenge at the highest level.' I am keen to keep this in mind and to pass on these lessons whenever I can," he added.

Looking ahead to the new season, the pace bowler, who also boasts a first-class century, is keen on overcoming last year's challenges, where the Mystics secured third place in the absence of Devdutt Padikkal.

"Missing Devdutt made a big difference last season," he said. "We felt our campaign was incomplete, but we want to finish stronger this year. We bat deep, and I've been batting well too, so I am hoping to contribute with the bat as well" he opined, expressing his optimism about the team's prospects.

Although stepping down from captaincy, Vyshak is excited to work alongside Padikkal as vice-captain. "I love captaincy, but with Devdutt's experience and recent his India debut, I'm looking forward to supporting him as the vice-captain. Last season, we really missed him, so I'm optimistic about this year," he added.

Crediting the Shriram Capital Maharaja Trophy for helping launch his IPL career, the competition holds a special place for Vyshak, who earned his big call after performances in the KSCA tourament.

"The first season of Maharaja got me noticed and led to my IPL debut, this platform provided by KSCA is exceptional and a huge opportunity for all of us," he remarked, highlighting the tournament's importance.

The Gulbarga Mystics begin their campaign on August 15, when they take on the Bengaluru Blasters in the season opener of the Shriram Capital Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, powered by FanCode.