ICC World Cup 2019: Vijay Shankar Sustains Injury, Doubtful for Warm-up Clash Against New Zealand

Team India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has sustained an injury on his hand while batting in the nets on Friday ahead of India’s World Cup warm-up clash against New Zealand tomorrow. The all-rounder was hit on the right hand during a pre-match training session as per reports in India Today. Vijay Shankar had to leave the field in pain while a support staff carried his bat and pads.

Shankar whose selection in the squad was criticized by many was struck on the forearm as he attempted to pull a delivery from one of the net bowlers Khaleel Ahmed. It remains to be seen whether Shankar needs a scan and whether he will be available for the warm-up clash against New Zealand slated to be played tomorrow at the Kennington Oval in London.

The selection of Vijay Shankar ahead of Ambati Rayudu didn’t go down well with many. Shankar also had a poor IPL with both bat and the ball. Hence his selection was solely based on his impressive performances for India in the limited opportunities he has got for the national team. Shankar made his ODI debut just 4 months ago and it is indeed a dream come true for him to be part of the World Cup squad.

Shankar was impressive with the bat during the away series against the Kiwis and also in the home ODI series against Australia. He is expected to be the No 4 batsman for India during the World Cup as claimed by the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad. Prasad said that the 3-dimensional abilities which Shankar provides gave him the nod ahead of Ambati Rayudu.

Speaking to India Today earlier in the week, Vijay Shankar stated that he is not at all focusing on the opinions from an outside party. All he is focused is on how he should perform in the showpiece event.

“Well, there might have been a lot of debate about the number four slot. As cricketers, we tend to face all these things. It is really important to keep it simple and believe in our own strengths,” Shankar told India Today.

“The only thing that we can do is to work on all the aspects of our game. I am just focused on my own preparation rather thinking about anything else. That is what I have been doing. These things happen and I have learnt to overcome all of it,” he added.