Father Was in Kapil Dev's Haryana Squad — Now Jayant Goyat Dreams of India

Services pacer Jayant Goyat's dream of playing for India carries a family story with it: his father, Dr Wazir Singh Goyat, was part of the Haryana Ranji Trophy squad during Kapil Dev's last season, even though he never got the chance to make his debut.

Goyat says his father took him to cricket and stood behind him through his lean spells, never pushing him but always supporting him.

The 21-year-old from Bhiwani in Haryana, who stands six feet four inches tall, has just taken his maiden first-class five-wicket haul in only his 12th first-class match, helping Services fight back against Delhi at Palam.

He joined the Air Force through the Agniveer scheme and has welcomed the extra two-year engagement now approved for Agniveers.

Goyat played for India Under-19 and was on standby for the 2024 World Cup, and Services head coach AP Singh has called him an exciting talent who is being groomed for the next level.