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Nigam's Dream Unfolds: India Call-Up for Asian Games
17 Sep
Summary
- Vipraj Nigam, 22, secures maiden India call-up for Asian Games.
- He replaces injured spinner Varun Chakaravarthy due to a side strain.
- Nigam impressed with both bowling and lower-order hitting abilities.
Vipraj Nigam, a 22-year-old leg-spin all-rounder from Barabanki, has received his first call-up to Team India for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. His inclusion comes as a replacement for the injured spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who is sidelined due to a side strain sustained during a recent T20I.
Nigam's journey to the national squad is a testament to his dedication in domestic cricket and his impactful IPL debut with Delhi Capitals. Selectors favored his potential, lower-order hitting prowess, and experience in high-pressure matches over more seasoned options.
"It's like a dream come true for me," Nigam stated. "It was my dream to sport the Team India jersey and now it's going to be fulfilled in Japan. I will try to give my best as winning the gold medal is the biggest target for me too."
A consistent performer for Uttar Pradesh, Nigam has taken 55 wickets in 44 matches in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. He also has a notable first-class record with 20 wickets in six games and 26 wickets in 21 List A matches. His IPL career includes 13 wickets and 157 runs at a strike rate of approximately 176.
Nigam's development saw him serve as a net bowler for India's Test squad in Sri Lanka in 2026, aiding batters in preparing for leg-spin. His lower-order batting also impressed during an India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he claimed three wickets in a match against Sri Lanka A, demonstrating his readiness for international competition.
