Vijay Shankar Guides Past from Pressures of Pandya Comparison

The all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, Vijay Shankar has dismissed of being under pressure of comparisons with Hardik Pandya after helping India to come back to winning ways in the ongoing Nidahas Trophy.

Meanwhile, India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the second game after a thumping loss to Sri Lanka.

Batting first Bangladesh managed to post only 139 runs on the board. The young Indian bowling attack was clinical throughout picking crucial wickets at regular intervals.

In reply, Shikhar Dhawan along with Suresh Raina and Manish Pandey guided India home safely.

However, Shankar pulled out a match-winning performance returning with two for 32. Also, he removed two experienced batters namely Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah.

The success story:

Meanwhile, Shankar has leapfrogged his way into the national team after a consistent performance in the domestic circuit. Further, he was also the part of India A squad (that played against New Zealand A in October last year).

As a result, Vijay’s name popped up immediately when the selectors decided to rest Pandya.

However, his current domestic form may not be astonishing, but his all-round ability in the past 6-7 years bear testimony to his sound skills. Also, Vijay is one of the six players to have 1500 runs and 25 wickets in the domestic cricket.

Vijay was first called up as a replacement for Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the final two Tests against Sri Lanka last year. Although he didn’t get a break there, his chance finally came in the T20 game in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Vijay is aware this tournament is a screen test for many young cricketers like him. Further, India also has Deepak Hooda in their ranks, who had also done well in the past. Vijay will be keen to have a lasting impression in whatever opportunity he gets.

Important to show what we have:

The 27-year old Shankar is aware he will have to make way when Hardik Pandya returns.

However, he is looking to use the chances to create that recall value in everyone’s mind, but without being too caught up in it.

“What is important for me is what I do every day. The pressure and… comparing me with Hardik Pandya, I think, most cricketers don’t like comparing and it is very important to show what we have, rather than putting ourselves under pressure,” Vijay said.

Doesn’t rue the dropped catches:

Vijay had to wait for his maiden international wicket after an easy drop by Raina at mid-off and then a failed attempt by Washington Sundar.

However, Vijay seemed not too affected by the dropped chances, as he says its part and parcel of the game.

“That [dropped catches] did not affect me much. I was not thinking too much about those dropped chances. Dropping catches, I think is a part of the game. I would have loved to get my first wicket at that time, but still, as cricketers, we know it is not easy to field under lights and with the white ball. But, I definitely did not give much importance to that dropped catch. I was just going back to bowl the next ball well,” Vijay added.

Meanwhile, Vijay will be eager to show his batting abilities, but with Dhawan at the top, he is yet to get a chance.

However, the Man of the Match award should do Vijay’s confidence a world of good. Further, he has instilled faith in the management’s mind when there’s an opening for the all-rounder’s spot; he is their man.

Meanwhile, India will play their third game on March 12 against Sri Lanka.

Further, here is the newsfeed:

ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018, Round Up: Day 3

It was a great team performance: Rohit Sharma