ICC World Cup 2019: I Have Learnt to Stay Calm from MS Dhoni - Vijay Shankar

India’s rookie batsman Vijay Shankar has revealed that he has taken a cue from MS Dhoni on how he should stay calm. Dhoni’s calmness has been his forte over the years and he has transpired the same to the next generation. Consequently, Vijay Shankar has shown the temperament to keep his head in the right place, which will be the key in the big tournament like the World Cup.

Shankar has been given the opportunity in India’s World Cup squad and he could bat at the troublesome position of number four. The Tamil Nadu batsman has shown the right technique and it would be interesting to know how he would handle the pressure in crunch situations of the World Cup.

Vijay Shankar credits MS Dhoni.

Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar doesn’t have the experience under his belt as he played only nine matches in which he has scored 165 runs. Shankar has had a couple of 40’s under his bag and he would like to come up with a consistent performance in the World Cup.

“I think your temperament is your skill, it’s your real skill. Because everybody can play cricket, at that level you are all playing great cricket but I think your temperament and the fact that you have learnt to stay calm, I think that’s a big thing,” asked Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast with Champions.

Shankar responded, “To be honest, I learnt it from Mahi bhai. He told me you need to be very calm and neutral so that you can handle both things easily. Just focus on your work and things will take care of itself.”

On the other hand, Vijay Shankar had suffered a blow to his hand in the nets while facing Khaleel Ahmed. Consequently, he had to miss out in the first warm-up against New Zealand.

India lost their opening warm-up match against the Kiwis by six wickets. The Men in Blue will play their second match against Bangladesh at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Virat Kohli’s men will kickstart their World Cup campaign against  South Africa at Rose Bowl, Southampton on 5th June.