Lucknow, 19 August (H.S.): Twenty-four-year-old Vijay Yadav, who represents defending champions Kashi Rudraksh in the fourth season of the UP T20 League, has been turning heads with his unusual bowling ability. Capable of bowling spin with both hands comfortably within the same over, the young spinner recently claimed two crucial wickets against his former side, Gorakhpur Lions, helping Kashi Rudraksh secure a memorable victory.

The Gorakhpur-born spinner, who made his league debut in 2024, was acquired by Kashi Rudraksh for Rs. 5.2 lakh at the UP T20 League 2026 auction.

Vijay’s father is a sub-inspector in the police department, while his mother is a homemaker. Recalling his early days in cricket and how he developed the ability to bowl with both hands, Vijay said, “I started playing cricket in 2012. India’s 2011 World Cup victory inspired me immensely and made me dream of doing something significant for the country. From the beginning, my left hand was relatively functional. Right-handed batters generally tend to dominate right-arm bowlers, so I found it difficult to bowl to them at times. I then started working on my left arm and, through sustained hard work, gained control over it.”

Speaking about the physical demands of bowling with both hands, Vijay said, “It may look very easy to people watching it on television, but bowling with equal accuracy with both hands is extremely difficult. I have to put in twice as much effort and practise separately with both hands.”

Vijay, who is also capable of striking big sixes when promoted in the lower order, considers former India captain Virat Kohli his role model. “Virat Kohli is my role model. I really admire his passion for cricket, dedication, motivation and aggression. There is a lot to learn from him,” he said.

The UP T20 League has provided Vijay with a significant platform to gain recognition at the national level. His performances have already attracted the attention of some of the leading franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Vijay said the UP T20 League has been a major platform for him to showcase his abilities. “The UP T20 League is a very big platform. I have got the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities here. I have already attended trials for Mumbai Indians, while Sunrisers Hyderabad also invited me for trials last year,” he said.

Having represented the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s Under-19 and Under-23 teams, Vijay Yadav is now aiming to maintain his impressive run in the UP T20 League and earn an opportunity to play in the Indian Premier League before eventually securing a place in the Indian national team.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar