Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, BCCI
Vijay Shankar. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

India’s all-rounder Vijay Shankar has given credit to India A coach Rahul Dravid in adding confidence to his repertoire. Shankar was added to India’s squad for the series against Australia and New Zealand. The all-rounder has grown in confidence in the recent past and said he is happy to take the role of the finisher.

Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar revealed that Rahul Dravid advice him to trust his abilities. Consequently, the results have been rewarding as Shankar finished two games recently for Tamil Nadu and also remained unbeaten. Thus, he has grown in confidence.

New Zealand A vs India A, 3rd Unofficial Test, Day 1 - Review
Vijay Shankar (Credits – AFP)

Vijay Shankar has grown in confidence after playing under the tutelage of Rahul Dravid.

On the other hand, Rahul Dravid has done a fine job while coaching the colts of India A and Under-19. Shubman Gill was also added to India’s squad for the series against New Zealand and he also gave credit to the Wall.

“I think I have become mentally stronger now and I have full confidence that I can finish close matches. India A tour of New Zealand has helped me understand my game much better,” Shankar told PTI during an interaction.

Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar has played five T20Is for India. The right-hander was given his chance at the number five position while playing against New Zealand A and did justice to his role.

“Rahul sir told me one thing that he has faith in my ability to finish games. I think batting at No 5 also suited my game as I was able to close two games and remain unbeaten,” said Shankar, who has so far played five T20s for India.

“The 87 I scored in a chase of 300 plus against New Zealand A gave me a lot of belief that I also belong to this level. In another game, I scored 60 odd in a chase. “While batting at No 5, in all these matches when I was going into bat, we required 150 to 160 runs and it was very important that I paced the innings well and played the role of a finisher,” Shankar explained.

Australia vs India 2018-19: Vijay Shankar Credits Rahul Dravid in Adding Confidence
Rahul Dravid. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Vijay said he is trying to focus on both aspects of his game. In fact, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder has bowled more overs in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, which has helped him.

“I have put equal emphasis on both aspects of the game. I have completed my 10 over quota in a lot of Hazare games and got breakthroughs. In Ranji Trophy also, I had bowled a lot this season. The best part is that I feel stronger mentally with the hard work I have put in.” 

“I am not thinking about World Cup and all those things. You can’t play freely if you start thinking like that.

“I will have to be prepared and if an opportunity to comes along the way, I will have to grab it,” Shankar signed off.

Vijay Shankar has done a fine job and the good performances must have added to his confidence. He would like to make the most of his opportunity if he gets a chance in the playing XI.

Read More  "Yashasvi Jaiswal no superstar, has to prove himself in SENA countries.."- Ravichandran Ashwin's rant

Cricket is my first love. I want to be a wordsmith. I want to weave magic with my words.