Vijay Shankar opens up on Hardik Pandya: The Indian all-rounder talked about Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and playing vs Afghanistan.
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Having received a blow on his toe after getting hit by India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounder Vijay Shankar expressed his hopes regarding playing India’s next ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 match against Afghanistan.
“Personally, I’m hopeful of playing. [Playing against] Someone like Jasprit Bumrah, you expect it in the nets [to get hit], you have to be ready,” Shankar was quoted as saying during the pre-match press conference on the eve of the match.
Jasprit Bumrah: We don’t obviously want to injure the batsman but sometimes when you play in the nets, nobody tells the batsman not to hit. They hit as well. So it was not the aim. It was unfortunate that he (Vijay Shankar) got hit but he’s okay. He’s fine. pic.twitter.com/hPZ9u5Mkpo
— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019
“Feels great to play for your country”
Having won three out of their four matches, India are currently at No. 4 on the points table. Scheduled to play against the lowest-ranked team, Shankar quashed being complacent tomorrow at Southampton. “Not about whom we’re playing. We look to get better. It’s about how we play against each individual,” Shankar said.
From making his ODI debut to playing his maiden World Cup, the year 2019 has been wonderful for Shankar. While he couldn’t accelerate in the desired manner against Pakistan, he ended up picking two crucial wickets in Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the second innings.
ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh picks one out of Vijay Shankar and Rishabh Pant to bat at No. 4 vs Afghanistan
“Feels great to play for your country. The World Cup happens every four years. Getting wickets in the last game, especially against Pakistan, my World Cup debut against them, gave me a lot of confidence,” Shankar added about making his World Cup debut at Old Trafford.
Vijay Shankar opens up on Hardik Pandya
Expected to bat at No. 4, Shankar was sent in to bat at No. 6 against Pakistan. With India losing their second wicket in the 39th over, the team management had sent all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of Shankar. With the former striking at 167.92, it was the correct decision.
Being asked if Pandya’s promotion up the order adds pressure on him, Shankar spoke against the notion. On the contrary, the all-rounder backed his ability to play the big shots in the slog overs.
“No pressure from Hardik Pandya batting higher after 40 overs. I’m also a power hitter. It’s about delivering on the day in any situation,” Shankar concluded.
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