Not Thinking About World Cup: Vijay Shankar After Heroic Display In Second ODI

Vijay Shankar is fast becoming one of the most promising players in the country and did his reputation no harm with a starring display against Australia in the second ODI on Tuesday. The allrounder impressed with both bat and ball as India beat Australia by eight runs in the thrilling game. India were in a spot of bother when Vijay Shankar joined Virat Kohli in the middle.

Asked to bat first, India were reeling at 75 for 3 when Shankar decided to ease the pressure off his skipper. On a pitch where his teammates were struggling to even play their shots, Shankar hit a flurry of boundaries to set the tone for his side. He smacked five fours and a six to race away to 46 off just 41 deliveries before being run-out in the most unfortunate of manners. He, however, added 81 runs with Kohli that set the platform for the competitive total. Kohli then went on to score a sublime ton to help India post a challenging 250.

Shankar then impressed with the ball. After conceding 13 runs in his first and only over, he was tasked with the responsibility of defending 10 runs in the final over. And Shankar exceeded all the expectations as he ended the game inside three deliveries. On the very first delivery, he dismissed half-centurion Marcus Stoinis to all but end Australia’s chances before castling Adam Zampa two balls later to take India home.

Shankar’s latest heroics has only brightened his World Cup chances. However, the allrounder says he is not thinking on those lines and would just stay in the moment.

“I’ve said previously also that I never think about the selection or World Cup thing because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team,” said Vijay Shankar.

Shankar has come a long way since his horrendous innings in the final of the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka last year when he struggled to rotate strike. He said that the game was a big learning curve for him and it helped him in pressure situation.

“To be honest the Nidahas Trophy has taught me too many things. Actually, I learnt to how to stay neutral after that. Be it high or low, it doesn’t matter. I need to stay calm and neutral all the time,” he insisted.

“I was just ready for the challenge because I knew I had to bowl that one over. And I was just telling (myself) after the 43rd-44th over, I am going to bowl anytime. Maybe the last over and I should be ready to defend a total of 10 runs or 15 runs. So, I was mentally prepared for that,” added the allrounder.

The allrounder went on to say that he is not getting carried away by his performance but is glad that he could help the tea win.

“Just because I got the two wickets in the last over does not make me feel really high or happy. I am trying to enjoy the moment and then go ahead with that,” he said.

India, meanwhile, will be looking to seal the series when they take on the visitors in the third ODI on March 8 in Ranchi.