Tamil Nadu star all-rounder Vijay Shankar had to wait a bit longer for making a debut in the 50-over cricket for India, but he eventually received a call-up to replace his equivalent number, Hardik Pandya. His inclusion came following the suspension of Pandya on January 11 over the misogynistic comments during a popular television show Koffee with Karan.
However, later Committee of Administrators (CoA) has lifted the ban on Pandya alongside KL Rahul pending inquiry.
Down Under tour a learning curve for Vijay Shankar:
Coming back to the 28-year-old Shankar, he has done a decent job for India in the ODI format. However, he batted in solitary innings in his four ODIs to amass 45 runs. Eventually, India went on to seal the series 4-1.
“I actually expected a lot more from myself. I could have batted till the end and seen the team through in the second T20I against New Zealand, but I missed out. In that way, I was a bit disappointed. But otherwise, it was a good tour for me. I have learnt a lot, and I am getting better,” Shankar told ToI.
In the three-match T20I series, Shankar batted at number three position which saw him scoring 43 in the third and final Hamilton T20I thriller. But hosts held on to their nerves to clinch a cliffhanger by four runs–to seal the series 2-1 on February 10.
Meanwhile, the interim skipper Rohit Sharma has pushed the case for Shankar to bat at the top. Shankar added the knock in fifth ODI had boosted his morale to shoulder the responsibility.
“After the practice session just before the first T20I, Rohit Sharma told me that I might bat at No. 3. He just asked me to be ready. The team, on the whole, feels I am good enough to bat there. When I played in the fifth ODI where we were 18 for 4 and I scored that 45, that knock gave the team confidence that I can bat up the order and do well,” Shankar said.
Shankar aims big:
Confident Shankar is hopeful to prove his mettle by winning games for Team India after earning accolades for his role. He also sheds light on his Down Under stint.
“Mentally, I was in a very good space when I went there. And I remember telling before leaving for Australia that I can win close matches with the bat. I had a chance to do that, but I missed out. I have done it a couple of times for India A, but I need to show the world that I can do it a lot more for India,” Shankar added.
Shankar, who’s adamant in approach, revealed he has had played his natural game to give his best. He stressed that his focus was to stay longer at the crease while cherishing every moment of playing in overseas conditions.
Moreover, while considering the blend of youth and experience, Shankar is in the contention for the upcoming 2019 World Cup. His inclusion could provide variety in the squad despite Hardik being an obvious choice as the bowling all-rounder.
Shankar reiterated if he and Hardik went on to feature for India in the same game, it would be equally good to contribute for the team, adding he doesn’t look beyond or draw comparisons.
With India facing Australia in the home limited-overs series, Shankar has enough opportunity to book his seat for the United Kingdom (UK). The quadrennial event will kick off on May 30 in London.