Vijay Shankar opens up on competitor Hardik Pandya: The rookie Indian all-rounder was vocal about the senior all-rounder before the Australia series.
Originally not part of the Indian squad, all-rounder Vijay Shankar was called in to the India squad for the series in Australia and New Zealand as a replacement for the then suspended Hardik Pandya.
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In his only opportunity with the bat in ODIs, Shankar came in to bat at No. 6 in the 10th over. With India reeling at 18-4, Shankar shared a 98-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Ambati Rayudu.
In the partnership, Shankar was the first one to press accelerator scoring a praiseworthy 45 (64) with the help of four fours. Had it not been a howler in communication, Shankar was looking set for a big innings.
Impressive performances key behind selection
Shankar also contributed well in the T20I series. His potential forced the selectors to name him in the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Australia at home. Given the current buzz around him, a couple of impact-generating performances might well see him included in the Indian squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Having replaced Hardik Pandya, both of them were looked as potential competitors playing for the same spot. However, the recent matches put on display that the team management is looking for a genuine middle-order batsman who can bowl a bit in him. On the other hand, Pandya is more of a bowling all-rounder.
‘Discussed a lot with Hardik Pandya’
In a recent interview with India Today, Shankar opened on playing in the same playing XI as Hardik Pandya. “When we were playing together in New Zealand, we had a lot of discussion. We were even sharing ideas on the field as to how to bowl during different situations,” Shankar was quoted as saying.
Shankar agreed to the fact that both of them might look as competitors from the outside but that isn’t the case while playing together. Shankar also laid emphasis on sharing ideas during matches.
“We often talk about the lines and lengths that can be effective to different batsmen. I think from the outside, we’re being looked at as competitors, but from the team’s point of view, we share a very good rapport,” he added.
