'All I can do is keep working harder' - Vaibhav Arora reflects on staying grounded amid aspirations of India debut [Exclusive]

Ace pacer Vaibhav Arora made his domestic debut in 2019 and has grown from strength-to-strength ever since. The right-arm pacer has performed well as an all-format bowler, also proving his mettle with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, but has still not received a call-up to represent the Indian squad.

Other than generating decent pace, Vaibhav is well known for generating sharp movement and being an accurate bowler with the new ball. Over the years, he has also improved his death bowling skills by bringing in fresh variations. Vaibhav is currently playing the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy for Himachal Pradesh after enjoying an impressive season in the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The 28-year-old has also made waves in the IPL. He has been a part of the Kolkata-based franchise since the past three seasons after playing his maiden season with the Punjab Kings. 36 out of 75 T20 wickets have come in the prominent franchise league. Vaibhav has been a key component to KKR's bowling line-up and has delivered time and again for the franchise.

Excerpts from the interview

What’s your biggest dream for your cricketing career in the next 3–5 years?

My dream is to wear the blue jersey for India. The last two IPL seasons have gone really well for me, and I’ll be looking to continue that form in the upcoming IPL. I want to perform consistently, correct the areas where I made mistakes, and contribute more to the team. My focus is on doing well and earning the opportunity to represent India as soon as possible.

How do you feel whenever you don’t see your name in the national squad?

Obviously, when you perform well in domestic cricket or the IPL, you expect a call-up to the national squad. When that doesn’t happen, it does hurt; you naturally have expectations. I felt the same this year after a good IPL season, and I was hoping to prove myself at the India A level, but I didn’t get the call. However, these things are not entirely in your control.

What is in your control is how hard you work and how much you improve your bowling. There’s no point dwelling on things you can’t control. This is part of life and part of a cricketer’s journey. All I can do is keep working harder and perform even better in the next IPL, and hopefully, the opportunity will come.