ICC World Cup 2019: Vijay Shankar Clears Fitness Test, Hopeful To Play Afghanistan

India all-rounder Vijay Shankar who copped up a blow in the net session, has cleared the fitness test and is hopeful of playing against Afghanistan on June 22 at Southampton. India, so far, have had a great ICC World Cup 2019 winning three of the four games while one ended in a draw. Shankar played a crucial role against Pakistan and is likely to retain his place in the playing XI against Afghanistan.

Shankar hopeful of playing against Afghanistan

The all-rounder had chipped in with 15 runs before picking two crucial wickets and filled the void created by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s untimely injury. Moreover, Vijay Shankar bowled with great zeal and was on the money to restrict the free flow of runs. But he copped up a blow during the practice session leading to the game against Afghanistan. A toe-crushing yorker from Jasprit Bumrah caught him napping as left the nets immediately.

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However, he has recovered and will be available for selection against the Afghans. Vijay Shankar appeared for a fitness test on the eve of the game against Afghanistan and cleared with full marks. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder quipped that he has improved a lot and will be able to play on Saturday.

“I’ve got a lot better. Hopefully, I’ll be able to play,” Shankar said.

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Furthermore, Vijay Shankar admitted that one has to anticipate those kinds of lethal deliveries when batting against Jasprit Bumrah. Shankar will hope to better his performance in the next game to retain his berth in the playing XI  for the matches to follow. Rishabh Pant who came in place of injured Shikhar Dhawan in the 15-member squad is breathing in his shoulders to take up the spot.

“Actually, when you play someone like Bumrah, you always expect that. Still, sometimes we do miss that,” he smiled when asked if he expected a delivery like that.