The Indian National Cricket team management is likely to bat all-rounder Vijay Shankar as a surprise element at no four in the upcoming ICC World Cup. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of drama with this batting position in the last few years. And with only two months to go to the World Cup, the men in blues are still unsure about the place, but as per reports, they have finally zeroed in on Shankar.
Shankar likely to get a nod
Meanwhile, Shankar showed enough signs to take up the role when he batted at the top-order in New Zealand. Vijay Shankar has demonstrated the technique that he can tackle the swing and extra pace. It is also learned that the team management is happy how Shankar has handled tough situations and held his composure. Shankar’s biggest competitor Ambati Rayudu, who, despite a healthy batting average of 47-plus, is now slipping in the pecking order. However, everything is likely to be clear after the first three weeks of the Indian Premier League.
“Let’s get one thing clear. Ambati Rayudu has not inspired the highest level of confidence as number four after his 90 at Wellington. Things can still change if he has a good IPL, but there has been a growing feeling that he is uncomfortable against anything above medium pace,” a source in the know of things told PTI.
Ambati Rayudu boasts a healthy average in the ODIs, but his big knocks have come against weaker opponents. On the contrary, Vijay Shankar has a proper technique in place and can also chip in with a few overs when required. Meanwhile, the only statistics that goes against the Tamil Nadu all-rounder that he is relatively new in international cricket and has only played nine matches.
“There are two ways to look at Vijay Shankar’s elevation. The pros are that he has the ability to rotate strike and is also a power hitter. At Wellington, he showed that he can tackle quality swing and has time to play pace. The flip side is only nine ODIs going into the World Cup. Will the team management take that risk? Let’s wait till IPL,” he added.