Job is half-done when captain and coach give you confidence: Vyshak

Vyshak Vijaykumar, the Punjab Kings' Impact Player, spoke to Cricbuzz after his impressive performance against Gujarat Titans. Here are the excerpts:

Figures don't matter as long as we are winning the game. We were on the winning side – that's all that matters.

I knew what I was supposed to do. My job was pretty simple when I went there. The planning was very clear from the captain and the coaches, and I just stuck to those plans.

I'm really glad I got the opportunity and could win it for the team. I've been working really hard in practice sessions, and I want to keep going like that.

When the coaches and captain give you so much confidence, the job becomes easier – actually, half the job is done there. You just have to go out and execute it, and I did exactly that.

Around the 12th or 13th over, I found out that I would be called in as the Impact Player. Mentally, I was switched on because when you're among the five nominated substitutes, you have to be prepared.

I love situations like this – I've always visualized myself in such moments, and that has really helped me.

Maybe. My debut game against Delhi went really well (3 for 20 in four overs). I think this is probably the sweetest and maybe the best performance of my IPL career so far.

Go there and enjoy – that was the message they gave me. They told me, 'It doesn't matter what the result is, you've got to have fun.' That is what they keep emphasizing.

Before bowling the first over, I spoke to the captain (Shreyas Iyer) and Arshdeep (Singh). I told them I wanted to go wide, and Arsh agreed with the plan.

I don't think I have an answer for that. It's better if you ask somebody who's really experienced.

I'll still go back to the nets tomorrow and will start working. The process remains the same. What is done is done and tomorrow is a new day.