If we were to talk about Vijay Shankar, we fondly remember him for taking Imam Ul Haq’s wicket off the very first ball in the World Cup. But if we look at his IPL career, he hasn’t been used much as a bowler. Since he’s primarily used a batting all-rounder, the all-rounder from Tamil Nadu has been underutilized as a bowler despite being an all-rounder.
Everyone fondly remembers how MSK Prasad picked him over Ambati Rayudu in the squad. After which he had a shocking exit from the World Cup owing to an injury midway through the tournament.
While talking to Times of India, he spoke about keeping fit during the lockdown period. He focused more on getting his bowling right since he wanted to improve in that aspect of his skills. Vijay Shankar has been working on his bowling skills and feels that the results will now be seen in the matches when he bowls.
Vijay Shankar looking to showcase his bowling skills
“Remaining fit was the primary focus during the lockdown. but once things eased up a little – I began focusing on all aspects of my game. I have always felt that I could bowl a little quicker and chose to work on increasing my pace. The result of the hard yards I have put in will only be seen when I begin bowling during a match,” he said.
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Even though Vijay Shankar doesn’t have a fixed batting slot in the SRH lineup, he believes that this really works in his advantage. He prefers batting at various batting positions which meet the team’s requirements.
“Be it while playing List-A games for TN or in IPL, my batting slot has always been flexible. Initially, I would have regretted not getting a slot (while playing for TN), but I soon accordingly. Now, I relish the role of a floater be it for my stateside or in IPL. It has only helped me to prepare for a game better because the requirements for a No.3 spot are different from No.4 or 5 and so on,” Shankar further said.
Keeping all things aside, Vijay Shankar will now be geared up to perform for the SRH side this year. He will have a point to prove after the heavy criticism he received during the World Cup last year. Sunrisers will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening game on September 21.
