Former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly Believes the debate over Ambati Rayudu, and Vijay Shankar has already been put to the rest. On April 15, the national selectors from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have picked the 15-man squad for the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019.
When the chief of the selectors MSK Prasad alongside BCCI’s interim secretary Amitabh Choudhary, all eyes were glued to the television sets that who is going to be No.4 for the Men in Blue, however, Prasad has read out the name of Shankar in the 15-member list. He further termed 27-year-old Shankar as a ‘three-dimensional player’.
The twelfth edition of the World Cup will run between May 30 and July 14 in the United Kindom (UK)
However, the 46-year-old Ganguly, who services as an advisor to the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals (DC), somewhat ducked a question when he was asked whom he will opt for among the duo.
Ganguly hopeful about Shankar’s rise:
The veteran Bengal cricketer maintained both have done quite well. He added he wishes Shankar all the best for his spot. By going to the chopping and changing, Ganguly says, any of the players has to miss out given to the limited number of vacant spots.
Fondly known as ‘Dada’, Ganguly reiterated that he feels for on Rayudu missing out. However, at the same time, is hopeful that Shankar will deliver given to his assigned role.
“Both are good. The selectors have gone for Vijay Shankar. The debate is over there. We wish him all the luck. Somebody plays and someone misses out. I feel for Ambati Rayudu, but I think Vijay Shankar will do the job,” Ganguly told during Sportskeeda’s MindVoice show.
Furthermore, Ganguly had played 311 ODIs and 113 Tests for India between 1992 and 2008, believes Shankar is a handy cricketer. He maintained that Shankar has earned his number four spot in the team.
Moreover, Ganguly is optimistic that Shankar has the potential to bowl in English conditions.
The 27-year-old Shankar has made his international debut in 2018. And thereon, he has featured in nine ODIs and as many T20Is.
Shankar has earned his spot in Team India: Ganguly
However, given to the experience, Rayudu is playing since 2013. He has managed to represent India in 55 ODis apart from six T20Is. Rayudu averages 47 in the day-long format while amassing 1694 runs at the strike-rate of 79.
“He is a good cricketer, he can bowl in those conditions. He has earned his place in the squad,” he inferred.
Concurrently, the Tamil Nadu-based all-rounder is representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL, whereas, Rayudu is playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni for three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
On the other side, two-time champions India will kick-off their World Cup campaign against the Proteas at Southampton on June 5.