ICC World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli Backs Vijay Shankar, Says He Is Close To Playing Big Knocks
Published - 29 Jun 2019, 10:11 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:00 AM
India skipper Virat Kohli has backed struggling all-rounder Vijay Shankar ahead of the game against England on June 30 (Sunday) at Edgbaston. Shankar made a great debut against Pakistan but has been mild since then and has failed to convert the starts.
Kohli backs all-rounder Shankar
Vijay Shankar came into the India squad for the World Cup for his three-dimensional ability. Although his selection rang a few speculations but he had the confidence of his skipper and coach Ravi Shastri. Shankar made a quick impression against Pakistan and scored 29 runs against Afghanistan and putting a 50+ stand with Virat Kohli. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder looked in good touch against West Indies but got out of a beauty from Kemar Roach.
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The India skipper Virat Kohli extended his support to Vijay Shankar saying that he is very close to a big score. He also sounded confident that Shankar will end up playing useful knocks for the team. As a result, Rishabh Pant will have to wait longer for his World Cup debut.
“It’s a strange one because he had a decent game against Pakistan. I think against Afghanistan on that pitch he looked really assured. Shot selection, again, we discussed with him for that game. Last game, again, he came out, he looked really good, and he got a beautiful ball from Kemar Roach.
So you can’t really sit down and pinpoint things. But I personally felt he looked really solid. There’s not much that needs to be tinkered. Sometimes in cricket you just need a bit of luck to get over from 30 to 60, and then you play a defining knock for the team. He’s very close to that, and we’re very confident he’s going to end up playing that kind of knock for us,” he added.
Virat Kohli-led Indian team will look to beat England to seal their semifinal berth at Edgbaston on Sunday. While it is a must-win game for the host, Vijay Shankar will hope to live upto the expectations of his skipper and deliver goods in the all-important clash.
