India vs Australia 2019: All-Rounder Tag on Vijay Shankar is too Much - Laxmipathy Balaji

Indian National Cricket team all-rounder Vijay Shankar is currently on a good space as he has started to make his presence felt at the international arena. However, former cricketer and current Tamil Nadu coach Laxmipathy Balaji feels the all-rounder tag of Vijay is too much.

Meanwhile, Shankar grabbed with his stylish batting during his 46-run knock in the second ODI at Nagpur. He shared an 81-run stand with skipper Virat Kohli for the fourth-wicket. The Tamil Nadu born cricketer timed the ball nicely to dominate the world-class Australian bowlers to grab the eyeballs. However, he got out in an unfortunate manner four short of his half-century. Despite that, he made a long-lasting impression on the minds of the fans which compelled commentator and former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar urging everyone to focus on Vijay Shankar’s batting.

Laxmipathy Balaji while speaking to DNA said that Shankar is a very good batsman and a capable bowler. Shankar also made his promotion count when the management promoted him in the top-order during the New Zealand series. Balaji also added that his batting – which is coming right now should not overshadow his all-rounder tag.

“Vijay Shankar is a fantastic batsman and a very capable bowler,” Balaji said. “His batting seems to be coming off very well but that should not over-shadow his all-rounder’s tag,” he added.

Balaji hails Vijay’s batting abilities

Laxmipathy Balaji, who has seen Vijay Shankar make progress from Tamil Nadu to India ‘A’ and to India colours from close quarters, shared high praise on Shankar’s skills, especially as a batsman. The former cricketer also noted that the 28-year-old needs to get his seam positions right and can be a third or fourth seamer for his side. He also added that Vijay did a great job after skipper Virat Kohli handed him the new ball in Bengaluru.

“Just as a pure batsman, Vijay is phenomenal. His bowling is gaining momentum. He is making genuine contributions with the ball, though the numbers may not be that great. At best, he is the third or fourth seamer who needs to get his seam position right. That said, he bowled a phenomenal length in the T20I in Bengaluru against Australia after captain Kohli gave him the new ball,” Balaji concluded.

Vijay Shankar is making full use of the extended opportunity that has come his way with the injury of Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has made full use of it chipping in with useful contribution and will aim to continue doing so to seal an ICC World Cup berth.