The exciting Tamil Nadu-based all-rounder Vijay Shankar is elated to be a part of India’s coveted 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 scheduled to begin on May 30 in London. He is bracing up for the challenge for the marquee event in England and Wales.
The 28-year-old all-rounder is practising hard in a bid to prepare for his first-ever World Cup. He believes the backing from senior players has boosted his morale who recently partook in series Down Under.
Shankar focused on preparations:
Concurrently, with other team members enjoying the time off, Shankar is grilling himself with two net sessions during a day. He concedes it’s essential to be better prepared to face the significant challenges in English conditions.
“I am someone who looks to be prepared for everything. They have said that I may bat at No. 4. It is very important for me to keep preparing for that. The challenges are going to be there, but how I prepare is what matters. It is very important to work on all the things required,” Shankar told ToI.
Shankar conceded the much-awaited opportunity had given him the confidence to represent his country in the mega ICC event. Pertinently, Shankar has a fair bit of idea of England pitches when India A under the tutelage of Rahul Dravid toured the United Kingdom (UK) in 2018.
“The opportunity to play for the country itself gives you good confidence. And then when there is such backing, it makes you feel good and gives you a boost,” Shankar stated.
In the recent past, Shankar has missed games due to multiple injuries, which further saw him setting his entire focus on a rehabilitation programme. He himself believes the work ethic has helped him to come a long way.
Challenge is to bat at No.4: Shankar
Given to his thought the process, Shankar reiterated the challenge to deliver would be around whether one bat at No.4 position or not. He added the massive problem is to tackle the different situations while batting at four.
“The challenges are going to be there, whether I bat at No. 4 or wherever else. But the biggest challenge of batting at No. 4 will be to counter different situations,” Vijay added.
Shankar has so far featured in nine ODIs and as many Twenty20 Internationals since 2019.
Moreover, with the bat, he averages 33 in ODIs.
Owing to the medium pace bowling, Shankar managed to bag seven wickets in the white-ball cricket.
The hardworking all-rounder Shankar, who has been consistent for his state-side Tamil Nadu, believes the quadrennial event poses a major challenge.
Besides, he reiterated one is supposed to be psychologically ready.
“The World Cup brings a different challenge and pressure. Those are the things we have to counter. You have to be prepared mentally,” Shankar said.
The Men in Blue will kick-off their World Cup campaign on June 5 at the Southampton. Virat Kohli-led side will take on South Africa.