Ranji Trophy: Father played alongside Kapil Dev, son Jayant Goyat wears virgin pyjamas, dreams of wearing India colors

Service Seaman Jayant Goyat with his father Dr Wazir Singh Goyat. (Special arrangement) NEW DELHI: “Desh ke liye khelne ke liye jigra chahiye hota hai (It takes guts to play for the country),” Jayant Goyat told this reporter on the sidelines of the ongoing second day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Services at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam.The conversation revolved around the challenges of bowling at the Palam pitch, where conditions are often either flat or spin-friendly, and how the 21-year-old fast bowler maintains his India ambitions while operating in such conditions.On the third day, Goyat registered his maiden run with five wickets in his 12th first-class appearance for the services. His early breakthroughs on Wednesday helped Services fight back in the game.“It feels very good. It’s my first shot. The wicket is slow and flat so I had to put in more effort. I did it and got the results,” he told reporters.It was a double delight for the two meter four inch tall pacer who hails from Haryana’s Bhiwani district. The 21-year-old, who joined the Air Force through the Agniveer programme, received an extension after the Union Cabinet approved an additional two-year engagement period for 75% of Agniveers. The lanky seamer, who has played all his age group cricket for Haryana, only smiled when told the news by a handful of reporters.

Services Seaman Jayant Goyat (Photo: Pratyush Raj)

Chief services coach AP Singh, a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army, praised Goyat and said he saw a lot of potential in the youngster.“Obviously, he’s an exciting talent and we’re grooming him for the next level. He’s got age on his side, he’s talented and bowls very well. Today was his first five-wicket haul in a very big game. He’s an exciting talent,” the coach said.“He bowled brilliantly today. That’s what we discussed in the team meeting. All he has to do on these wickets is to bowl in good places and not look for wickets. Being a youngster full of enthusiasm, he tends to go for wickets. That’s where you run out and don’t even get a wicket,” Singh added.

My father took me to cricket. He also played Ranji Trophy for Haryana. He was a fast bowler and was part of the team during Kapil Dev’s last season.

Jayant Goyat

Jayant’s five-wicket haul was a significant step in that learning process, with the coach pointing out how the youngster applied the lessons discussed in the team meeting.“Today’s five-wicket haul was a great experience for him. In fact, he categorically told me that what we discussed in the team meeting worked for him. Just bowl in good areas and good lengths and you will get wickets,” Singh said.Although Bhiwani is known for producing combat sports athletes, Goyat grew up in a cricket-loving family. His father, Dr Wazir Singh Goyat, was part of the Haryana Ranji Trophy team during Kapil Dev’s last season. Although he never got the chance to debut, Goyat Sr. never stopped his son from pursuing his dream. He is currently working as a Professor of Physical Education at Maharaja Neempal Singh Government College, Bhiwani.“My father took me to cricket. He also played Ranji Trophy for Haryana. He was a fast bowler and was part of the team during Kapil Dev’s last season,” said Goyat.“I played for India Under-19 last season and I was on standby for the (2024) World Cup. I got to know (about the services). I knew the local boys from the services. I tried out and got selected,” he added.

Jayant Goyat with his father Wazir Singh Goyat. (Special arrangement)

Goyat recalled his father’s unwavering support when he was playing for India Under-19 and was unable to perform well.“My father never pressured me to play cricket. He let me do whatever I wanted. I wanted to play cricket. He supported me a lot. I can’t even tell you how much. Even when I was down a lot, he gave me a lot of moral support,” he said.“When I played in India Under-19, I didn’t play three to four matches on the trot for Haryana. Once I said I was quitting cricket. He pushed me and my team started performing well. He motivated me in different ways depending on his mood. Then he motivated me by giving me my favorite food,” Goyat added with a smile.Having played all his cricket as a batting all-rounder, Goyat idolizes legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis and bats at the highest position. He says he is training hard to add some yards to his bowling.

He is always happy and creates a good environment in the team. It doesn’t get stuck easily. Attitude is a very important thing and that is what we look for in players.

AP Singh | Head Coach Services

“My natural length is back to length. I’m looking to hit the deck. I think I can add speed. I was bowling at 134-135km/h when I was 19. It’s about a training regimen to add speed. I work with Services S&C. The main thing is strength. It’s about strengthening the lower body. The more strength training I do, the better it gets,” he said.Meanwhile, the services coach praised Jayant’s attitude, describing him as someone who brings positivity to the dressing room and doesn’t let obstacles weigh him down.“From what I saw, he’s a cheerful good guy. He’s always happy and creates a good environment in the team. He doesn’t get stuck easily. Attitude is a very big thing and that’s what we look for in players. That’s how players grow and perform well at this stage.”