He was India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker during their victorious campaign in the Caribbean. A few years later, he impressed again with both bat and ball in the 2025 Maharashtra Premier League (MPL). After spending three seasons as a reserve player with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL, Vicky Ostwal is now preparing to step into the bigger stage across all formats. His Maharashtra captain, Ankit Bawne, even called him a “future star” during the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai last month. At just 23, the left-arm spinner from Lonavala is slowly shaping into one of Maharashtra’s brightest prospects.
Early Breakthroughs and Domestic Rise
Just weeks after being India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker, Ostwal was drafted into Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy squad. But adapting to red-ball cricket took time. He played a handful of matches here and there, but lacked consistency. Over the past year, however, he has been making a strong case for a regular place in the side.
Ostwal’s real turning point came in the Under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker. That confidence carried into the pre-season Buchi Babu tournament, where he finished as Maharashtra’s highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps in just two games, averaging 17.23 with a tight economy rate of 2.64. Known already as India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker, he credits the Under-23 tournament for preparing him for senior-level cricket, bridging the gap between youth cricket and the Ranji Trophy.
“Being a spinner, it’s never easy to fix your place in the team,” said Ostwal, who still takes pride in being India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker. “I’ve played only five Ranji games on and off, but the CK Nayudu Trophy has been my core since then. For me, playing for Maharashtra is a matter of pride, and my dream is always to win trophies for the state.”
His cricket journey began in Lonavala, a hill station on the Mumbai-Pune highway. Determined to improve, he travelled long distances to train at the Vengsarkar Academy in Churchgate, Mumbai. When he realised that only Mumbai-born players could compete in Mumbai Cricket Association tournaments, he shifted focus to Maharashtra. He then started commuting daily to Pune, joining the Varroc Vengsarkar Academy, often spending hours in crowded trains.
“Those journeys were tough but special,” Ostwal recalled. “It showed me how badly I wanted to play cricket. My father supported me throughout, and now I feel the hard work is paying off.”
Tall and accurate, Ostwal draws comparisons with R Sai Kishore, while his ability to keep the stumps in play reminds many of his idol Ravindra Jadeja. During his Ranji debut against Vidarbha in 2022, he bowled an incredible 44 overs, proving his stamina for long spells.
“As a spinner, your job is to bowl long spells, keep one end tight, and wait for batters to make mistakes,” he said. “That’s what I want to do for Maharashtra.” His mindset reflects the discipline that made him India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker.
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Learning From the IPL and Expanding His Game
Though Ostwal didn’t get a match in his three seasons with Delhi Capitals, the IPL exposure was invaluable. He got the chance to bowl to Rishabh Pant, who he described as one of the toughest batters for a left-arm spinner. He also received crucial advice from Axar Patel and coach Ricky Ponting.
“My game sense improved a lot in the IPL,” Ostwal said. “I learned how to read situations early and be proactive. Axar taught me about bowling in both Tests and T20s, while Ricky Ponting gave me important inputs about handling pressure. Overall, those three years were a great learning curve.”
In the 2025 MPL, Ostwal showcased his growing skills as an allrounder. Playing for Raigad Royals, he picked up nine wickets in 11 games with the best economy rate (7.09) among bowlers who bowled more than 30 overs. But his real surprise came with the bat. Promoted to open in the Eliminator against Kolhapur Tuskers, India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker smashed 74 runs off 54 balls, proving he could be more than just a bowler.
“I’ve worked hard on my batting,” he said. “As a spinner, you can’t always win games with the ball. If you can add 30-40 runs down the order, it’s a big plus. Even in the CK Nayudu Trophy, I scored hundreds at No. 6 and 7. My aim is to become a proper allrounder.” This ambition builds on the confidence he first gained as India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker.
Eyes on the Future
Ostwal’s career so far has been a mix of promise, patience, and persistence. From being India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker to excelling in youth and state-level tournaments, he is slowly but surely knocking on the doors of higher-level cricket. His performances in the CK Nayudu Trophy, Buchi Babu tournament, and the MPL have all added to his growing reputation.
At 23, Ostwal has the skills to contribute in all formats. He has already shown the ability to bowl long spells in first-class cricket and the versatility to deliver tight overs and quick runs in T20s. With ambitions of becoming a reliable allrounder, he is focused on cementing his spot in Maharashtra’s senior team and, one day, wearing the Indian jersey.
For now, Ostwal remains proud of the title India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker—a tag that continues to inspire him. And with his growing all-round skills, Maharashtra’s future star looks ready to follow in the footsteps of great Indian spinners. His journey from being India’s 2022 Under-19 World Cup Highest Wicket-Taker to a potential senior international cricketer is just beginning, and the best chapters may still be ahead.
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