Vijay Shankar Can Be Tried At Number 4 In ODI Games - Laxmipathi Balaji

The strong performances in the recently concluded Indian tour of New Zealand have certainly kept Vijay Shankar in the scheme of things for ICC World Cup 2019. He proved his mettle with the bat and also secured the trust of the Indian team management. Meanwhile, the former Indian bowler Laxmipathi Balaji believes India can try Vijay Shankar at number 4.

The final ODI of the series against New Zealand has shown his skills to tackle the bowling attack at top-order. It was the knock, which gave him immense confidence to sustain in the team and helped him to be in the scheme of things for ICC World Cup 2019.

India needs strong reserves: Lamipathi Balaji

The former bowler quoted that Vijay Shankar has kept himself on the paper of ICC World Cup 2019. He believes that Shankar has delivered enough with the bat to tempt selectors to issue a ticket to him for England. Balaji feels that Shankar can be a great reserve in the team.

“Definitely. Vijay Shankar will be part of India’s World Cup squad. He has produced results with his bat. Vijay should be there because he has showcased his immense potential in the limited chances he has got. He will be considered as one of the important reserves. He may not be fitting in the playing XI, but you need a strong bench strength. You reserve need to fight for spots in the XI,” Lakshmipathy Balaji told India Today.

Vijay Shankar can be another option for number 4:

Of late, Indian management is troubling to find a perfect number 4 batsman. However, Ambati Rayudu has pressed his case with a performance against New Zealand. But, the backup for Rayudu isn’t looking strong enough. For the same, Laxmipathi Balaji believes Shankar can do the trick.

“So far he has proved himself as a batsman. With his batting ability, now he is pushing his case very very strongly. India is always trying to fill someone at the No. 4 spot. If Vijay Shankar comes good, you have another option for that spot. Vijay Shankar is making a strong case now for a top-order spot. His name will definitely be discussed,” Balaji said.

“He has not got enough opportunities to bowl. But whatever opportunity he got, he was looking okay. He is not someone who is express pace. But the first phase of Vijay Shankar has definitely been good. Now it’s time for him to bat consistently and try bowl full quota of overs,” he added.

Well, it would be interesting to see how things would pan out for Vijay Shankar. The all-rounder has delivered with the bat but yet to come good with his bowling. He has been brilliant in the domestic circuit but the level of competition in international cricket varies to it.