Sports

Services Seamer Jayant Goyat Claims Maiden Five-Wicket Haul in Ranji Trophy

By Pratyush Raj

NEW DELHI – On Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Services at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam, 21‑year‑old fast bowler Jayant Goyat took his first five‑wicket haul in only his 12th first‑class appearance. The 6‑ft‑4‑in pacer, who hails from Bhiwani district in Haryana, said the slow, flat wicket required extra effort but yielded the result. "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.

Goyat, who joined the Air Force through the Agniveer scheme, received a two‑year extension after the Union Cabinet approved an additional engagement period for 75% of Agniveers. He has played all his age‑group cricket for Haryana and was part of the India Under‑19 squad last season, where he was on standby for the 2024 World Cup.

Services head coach AP Singh, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, praised Goyat’s performance and potential. "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," Singh said.

Goyat’s father, Dr Wazir Singh Goyat, a former fast bowler who was part of Haryana’s Ranji Trophy squad during Kapil Dev’s last season, has been a constant supporter. The father, who is a professor of physical education at Maharaja Neempal Singh Government College in Bhiwani, encouraged his son throughout his cricketing journey.

"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 recalled. He added that his father’s moral support helped him during challenging periods, including when he considered quitting cricket.

Goyat, who also plays as a batting all‑rounder, idolises South African legend Jacques Kallis and is working on adding speed to his bowling. He currently bowls at 134‑135 km/h at the Under‑19 level and focuses on strength training to improve his lower‑body power.

Services coach AP Singh highlighted Goyat’s positive attitude and team spirit, noting that he brings a good environment to the dressing room and does not get weighed down by setbacks.