Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya can Play in the Same XI for India Feels Ashish Nehra

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has given his opinion on whether Vijay Shankar should part of the Indian squad for the World Cup slated to be played in England and Wales from May. Vijay Shankar produced a match-winning performance in the 2^nd ODI to hand India a remarkable 8 runs victory. He was given the final over and the 28-year-old held his nerves and defended 11 runs. He bagged the crucial wicket of Marcus Stoinis and then castled the stumps of Adam Zampa to seal the deal for the home team.

Ashish Nehra feels that Vijay Shankar can fit anywhere in the batting order between 4 to 6. However, he opined that Shankar was more of a 6^th or 7^th bowler and was nowhere close to Hardik Pandya as a bowler. Nehra, however, feels that both Shankar and Hardik Pandya can be part of the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup.

Vijay Shankar played a match-winning role in the 2nd ODI against Australia

With the bat in hand, Shankar looked in complete control of proceedings. He smashed a strokeful 46 of just 41 deliveries before perishing to an unfortunate run out. Such was his authority during the innings, he played just 4.1% false shots. Apart from the top 3, the innings can be matched only with the knock of Hardik Pandya against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

Not long ago Vijay Shankar received flak after a horrendous performance in the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh. Had Dinesh Karthik not played that amazing knock, India was done and dusted. Shankar kept missing ball after ball. It resulted in pressure climbing every over. However, the final of the Nidahas Trophy is history now and Shankar has almost booked a spot for the 2019 World Cup.

His batting prowess in the recent past has reflected in his bowling. It resulted in a magical win for India in the 2^nd ODI against Australia.

Ashish Nehra gives his opinion on Vijay Shankar

For every newcomer, little positives can boost up their confidence. The same happened with Vijay in the 2nd ODI against Australia, Ashish Nehra said, “There’s no doubt as to how talented a batsman Vijay Shankar is. He has a good skill set in batting.”

“Pandya is more of an all-rounder and the better bowler. But Shankar can definitely get better with time,” Nehra concluded saying that Hardik Pandya and Vijay have different roles in the team. Hence can be a part of the same playing XI.