Vijay Shankar Opens Up On Getting A Wicket Off The Very First Ball Of His World Cup Career

Tamil Nadu All-rounder Vijay Shankar has a roller coaster ride as far as his international career is concerned. From being vilified by one and all courtesy his struggle in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final- a game fondly remembered for Dinesh Karthik’s whirlwind 8-ball 27- to becoming India’s ‘three-dimensional’ cricketer in a space of ten months to once again forced in the wilderness, Shankar has see excruciating highs and lows in the past two years.

Shankar came into reckoning for the World Cup squad courtesy his all-round performances against New Zealand and Australia, months before the quadrennial event. He was eventually picked in the squad ahead of Ambati Rayudu before making his World Cup debut against arch-rivals Pakistan.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, he went on to pick a wicket with the very first ball that he bowled in his World Cup career. The all-rounder was called-up to complete the 3rd over after Bhuvneshwar Kumar twisted his ankle during his run-up. And, to the present surprise of everyone including he himself, Shankar went on to dismiss Imam Ul Haq, who missed a rank half-volley and was adjudged leg-before-wicket.

Shankar reckons that as one of the most memorable moments of his career. But he also admits that everyone happened in a bit of a haze.

“Yeah, that as well as making my WC debut against Pakistan. It (the wicket) happened very quickly. The captain might sometimes tell you in advance but sometimes a bowler might get injured and you should be ready. That’s what happened. I was standing at point and Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) got injured and they just called me up. All I was thinking was ‘just bowl in the right areas’.” Vijay Shankar told the New Indian Express.

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Vijay Shankar’s World Cup campaign was cut short due to injury

Shankar was called-up in the playing XI to fulfill the role of the No.4 batsman after KL Rahul was pushed up the order thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s injury. But the all-rounder’s campaign came to an end after just three games post getting hit by a Jasprit Bumrah yorker in the nets.

“When you join the Indian team, it’s very clear. I know for a fact that if I play, I will go in at No 4 if there is an early wicket. If not, I will have to be flexible enough. I think that was very clear,” Shankar added.

But even after getting fully fit, Shankar has not played another game for India since the World Cup. India had opted for Shivam Dube in the absence of Pandya during the white-ball rubbers in the 2019-20 season and even though Shankar was called-up as a replacement for Hardik for the India A tour of New Zealand, he wasn’t considered for the Test team.

Vijay Shankar thinks it would have been great, had he got a chance to make his Test debut in New Zealand but the Tamil Nadu all-rounder isn’t losing any sleep over it and is currently focussed on improving his game.

“I have been working on all aspects of the game and formats. I have been doing well consistently for India A, so all that actually gave me this call-up. If I had my Test debut, it would have been memorable but nothing’s over. I just keep trying to do my best to get my Test cap.” Vijay Shankar added.

Shankar last played for India during the 2019 World Cup.

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