ICC World Cup 2019: Hardik Pandya Is A Terrific Cricketer - Vijay Shankar

The batting all-rounder has always been a scarcity for India in the International cricket. After Kapil Dev, India hardly got a player with a stature like him. After quite a time, India got a leap of faith with Hardik Pandya delivering the goods in both sections of the game. Now, they got one more player in the form of Vijay Shankar, who is a batting dominant all-rounder.

After his heroics in Australia and New Zealand, the selection panel led by MSK Prasad felt that he would be the man that India required at number 4 for the team, He was picked ahead of Ambati Rayudu in the team for ICC World Cup 2019. Speaking of the inclusion, MSK Prasad recently quoted that Vijay Shankar is a two-dimensional player, who not only bats but also gives an extra option for Virat Kohli while leading the side.

I Don’t think I am competing with Hardik Pandya – Vijay Shankar

Meanwhile, as ever, there come the questions on his competition with Hardik Pandya, who already established himself. In reply, Vijay Shankar quoted that he is not competing with the Baroda cricketers and showered words of praise on the hard-hitting batsman.

Further, he went on to add saying that they both are different types in executing skills for the team. Vijay Shankar wants himself and Hardik Pandya to help the team cross the ropes to fetch those crucial points.

“I don’t think I am competing with Hardik. He is a terrific cricketer. Yes, we are all-rounders but we are different from each other. And why do we need to compete? It would be great if both of us can contribute in India’s victory,” Shankar told PTI during an interview when asked about comparisons with the Baroda man.

I love hitting those big sixes:

Vijay Shankar also spoke on his six-hitting capabilities. He wants to put his shape in the right direction to make thing falls in place for the team. Shankar doesn’t want to muscle the ball, as it is losing his shape.

“I love hitting those big sixes. The key for me is to retain my shape. I have not been successful when I have tried to muscle the ball but whenever I have held shape, the ball has gone into the stands,” he explained.

Well, it would be interesting to see how the youngster approaches the upcoming showpiece event. Most probably, he will be getting the chance right in the first game to play at number 4 for the team.