Team Indian opener in Tests, Murali Vijay made a sensational comeback in the 2^nd game against Sri Lanka at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur with a well-composed 128 off 221 deliveries before falling to Rangana Herath.

He wasn’t part of the playing XI for the opening Test in Kolkata, but after Shikhar Dhawan opted out of the 2^nd Test due to personal reasons, the return of Vijay was pretty evident.

Vijay grabbed his opportunity with both hands and went on to share a double century partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara who remained unbeaten on 121 at the end of the day’s play. Vijay in the post-match conference conceded the fact though it is difficult to be in and out of the side but being a professional one should always be ready.

“I feel as a professional you should always be ready whether you get a chance or not. You should be ready from inside, eyeing to get a chance. So whenever you get that chance, you are at least not lacking on that aspect (mental preparation). You can be fully aware of what’s happening and what’s going to happen.

“It is difficult, but I am used to it by now. I just wanted to contribute whenever I get an opportunity to play for India,” Vijay said media persons during to the press conference.

“I really don’t have to deal as long as I am happy and comfortable in my space. That’s all I want it to be, and if I am able to achieve that on a consistent basis, I think I am doing a good job.”

IND vs SL 2017, 2nd Test: Murali Vijay Feels Playing for India Isn't Easy 2 — Murali Vijay raises his bat after his ton

Vijay was the first choice opener in March but following impressive performances by KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan he relegated to the 3^rd choice opener especially after sustaining an injury. However, Vijay conceded that he doesn’t want to look at it from that angle.

“Playing for India is difficult, and whoever gets a chance, I wish him luck. I know how difficult it is to be in that space and perform, so whoever gets a chance should perform. That’s all I can say,” he said.

In his career so far Vijay has already shared 10-century partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara with nine coming in sub-continental conditions. When asked about his chemistry with Pujara, Vijay smiled and said it doesn’t matter who bats at the other end.

Mural Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara helped India gain early momentum on day two of the second Test match. Image Courtesy: BCCI

“I like batting, so it does not matter who bats at the other end! Pujara also has a similar mindset as he likes to dig in deep and scrap it out in situations of varied demands. So hopefully, we can continue to do it for India more number of times.”

Vijay who looked in ominous touch for the majority part of day two was unable to get many runs of Rangana Herath during a passage of play.

“That’s Test cricket, and you have to respect it. I think that’s how innings should be built. The easy way is being more aggressive and taking a high percentage of risks. But they were bowling well, and so we thought that we can buy time now and maybe cash in at later half of the day.”

Following the series against Sri Lanka, India will fly to South Africa later in the year for a full tour comprising of three Tests, six ODI’s and three T20Is. However, Vijay doesn’t want to look too far ahead and concentrate on the job at hand.

Murali Vijay says he has a job in hand ahead of the South Africa tour. Image Courtesy: AFP

“I am a person who doesn’t like to overthink too much till I see that particular ground or venue. I don’t want to have pre-conceived ideas and plans. I like to take things as it comes. Yes, the bounce is something, we have got one week to handle (before first Test starts). Everybody knows about it, and we are working on it. I have few things to work on, and I am at it,” said Vijay.