Team India all-rounder Vijay Shankar’s World Cup chances brightened following his heroics in the recently-held India vs Australia 2019 Nagpur ODI on Tuesday (March 5). In a last over, Shankar bagged two wickets when the Kangaroos required 11 with Marcus Stoinis batting at one end. However, he admitted the fact that he’s not thinking about his selection for the upcoming 2019 World Cup schedule in England and Wales.
While pushing his case following his prolific performance, the 28-year-old Tamil Nadu-based all-rounder reiterated he considers every game as an opportunity to give his best for the team.
“I’ve said previously also that I never think about the selection or World Cup thing because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team,” Shankar said during the post-match presser in Nagpur.
Meanwhile, Shankar held his nerve to hand India an eight-run win over Aaron Finch-led Australia. With this, India extends its lead in the five-match One-day International (ODI) series to 2-0.
With this Indi went on to achieve the milestone by winning their overall 500th ODI game. Earlier, Australia had accomplished the feat.
Vijay Shankar on his unfortunate run-out:
With the bat, Shankar looked in an elegant touch when he scored 46 off 41 deliveries. But unfortunately, a stroke away from his half-century, he got out in an unfortunate way when Kohli struck the ball which found Adam Zampa’s fingertips in the middle before dislodging the zing bails at non-striker’s end.
“When you get run out like this, I won’t say unfortunate, that was struck, and he (Kohli) hit the ball so hard. And I didn’t have much time to get back in (to the crease), but then these things happen in cricket. As long as I bat well and as long as contribute to the team’s win, I will be happy,” Shankar further added.
Captain marvel Virat Kohli had backed the idea of senior teammate MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to hand the ball to Shankar. Kohli in his recent interview revealed a ball was doing a bit. Eventually, he has shown faith in Vijay, in a game that lived up to the billing.
Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah has hinted Shankar that the ball is reversing. Shankar added Bumrah had given him important tips. Subsequently, it has paved the way to his success while hitting the right areas.
“After the 48th over, Bumrah came up to me and said the ball is reversing a bit. He told me that I need to hit the right length on this wicket, where I give myself a chance to hit the stumps,” Shankar said on Bumrah.
Shankar stressed that he was ready to take the challenge head-on. Apart from his bowling figures, Shankar bagged two scalps while conceding 15 runs in 1.3 overs.
“I was just ready for the challenge because I knew I had to bowl that one over. And I was just telling (myself) after the 43rd-44th over; I am going to bowl anytime. Maybe the last over and I should be ready to defend a total of 10 runs or 15 runs. So, I was mentally prepared for that,” Shankar revealed.
So much so, he helped the Men in Blue to restrict Australia on 242 in 49.3 overs.
Shankar who often aimed to keep his low-key celebration said that he has been trying to relish at the moment.
“Just because I got the two wickets in the last over does not make me feel really high or happy. I am trying to enjoy the moment and then go ahead with that,” Shankar said.
Shankar learnt a lesson following Nidahas Trophy nightmares:
In the recent past, Shankar had faced criticism for struggling in the finale of the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka against Bangladesh.
However, after that, he has vowed to learn from his mistakes to deliver according to his potential. He added he had mastered the process of soaking in the pressure. Adding maintaining the calm head has helped him to take his game forward.
“To be honest, the Nidahas Trophy has taught me too many things. Actually, I learnt how to stay neutral after that. Be it high or low; it doesn’t matter. I need to stay calm and neutral all the time,” Shankar concluded.
With Shankar staking for the 2019 World stint, he has represented India in nine T20Is and six ODIs since 2018.
