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 Day 2 of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Services at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam.The conversation revolved around the challenges of bowling on a Palam pitch, where conditions are often either flat or favour spin, and how a 21-year-old fast bowler keeps his India ambition alive while operating in such conditions.On Day 3, Goyat registered his maiden five-wicket haul in his 12th first-class appearance for Services. His early breakthroughs on Wednesday helped Services fight back in the game.“It is a very good feeling. It is my first fifer. The wicket is slow and flat, so I had to put in extra effort. I did that and got the results,” he told reporters.It was a double delight for the six-foot-four-inch-tall pacer, who hails from Haryana’s Bhiwani district. The 21-year-old, who joined the Air Force through the Agniveer scheme, has 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, just smiled when a handful of reporters broke the news to him.
Services seamer Jayant Goyat (Photo: Pratyush Raj)
Services head coach AP Singh, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, lauded Goyat and said he sees a lot of potential in the youngster.“Absolutely, he is an exciting talent, and we are in the process of grooming him for the next level. He has age on his side, he is talented, and he is bowling very well. This was his first five-wicket haul today in a very big game. He is an exciting talent,” said the coach.“He bowled brilliantly today. That is what we had discussed in the team meeting. All they need to do on these wickets is bowl in good areas and not go searching for wickets. Being a youngster full of enthusiasm, there is a tendency to go for wickets. That is where you leak runs and don’t even get a wicket,” added Singh.
My father took me to cricket. He also played Ranji Trophy for Haryana. He was a fast bowler and was part of the squad 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 had applied the lessons discussed in the team meeting.“Today’s five-wicket haul was a big learning experience for him. In fact, he categorically told me that what we discussed in the team meeting had worked for him. Just bowl in good areas and good lengths, and you will get wickets,” said Singh.Although Bhiwani is known for producing athletes in combat sports, 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 opportunity to make his 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 in Bhiwani.“My father took me to cricket. He also played Ranji Trophy for Haryana. He was a fast bowler and was part of the squad during Kapil Dev’s last season,” Goyat said.“I played for India Under-19 last season and was on standby for the World Cup (2024). I got to know [about Services]. I knew local guys in Services. I gave a trial and got selected,” he added.
Jayant Goyat with his father Wazir Singh Goyat. (Special Arrangement)
Goyat recollected his father’s unwavering support during the time he was playing for India Under-19 and was not able to perform well.“My father never pushed me to play cricket. He let me do what I wanted. I wanted to play cricket. He supported me a lot. I can’t even say how much. Even when I was down a lot, he gave me a lot of moral support,” he said.“When I played India Under-19, I wasn’t performing for three-four matches on the trot for Haryana. I said one time that I was quitting cricket. He pushed me, and then my team started performing well. Depending on his mood, he motivates me in different ways. He motivated me then by giving me my favourite food,” added Goyat with a smile.Goyat, who has played all his cricket as a batting all-rounder, idolises legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis and has batted in the top order. He says he is training hard to add a few yards to his bowling.
He is always happy and creates a good environment in the team. He doesn’t get bogged down easily. Attitude is a very big thing, and that is what we look for in players.
AP Singh | Services head coach
“My natural length is back of a length. I do look to hit the deck. I do think I can add speed. At Under-19, I bowled at 134-135 kmph. It is about the training regime to add speed. I work with the Services S&C. The main thing is about strength. It is about strengthening the lower body. The more I do strength training, the better it is,” he said.Meanwhile, Services coach showered praise on Jayant’s attitude, describing him as someone who brings positivity into the dressing room and does not get weighed down by setbacks.“As far as I have seen, he is a jolly good fellow. He is always happy and creates a good environment in the team. He doesn’t get bogged down easily. Attitude is a very big thing, and that is what we look for in players. That is how players grow and perform well at this stage.”
