Mumbai: Batting all-rounder Vijay Shankar on Monday experienced a “dream come true” moment after being named in India’s World Cup squad and said he is learning the art of handling pressure in a mega event from IPL teammates like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“I am extremely elated to be in the Indian WC team. This is like a dream come true. We have a few World Cup winning team members here at Sunrisers Hyderabad and I have spoken to them to understand what it feels like to play in a WC and then go on to win it. I have learnt a lot from them on the ways to manage pressure at such a large scale event,” said Shankar referring to his IPL teammate Bhuvneshwar.
Shankar is expected to be used as a floater in the batting order, especially at number 4. With his “three-dimensional qualities”, the Tamil Nadu player took the slot which was speculated to go to Ambati Rayudu before his dip in form in the home series against Australia last month. Bhuvneshwar, who will be playing his second World Cup, too was elated.
“I am extremely happy to be selected for the World Cup, the conducive English conditions will suit my strength and I am looking to make the most of it. Playing for SRH in IPL has given me the right match practice just before the mega tournament like World Cup,” he said. SRH team mentor and former India batsman VVS Laxman said Indian selectors have picked a strong squad.
“The Indian team is a very balanced side and is one of the strong contenders for the title. I have closely monitored Bhuvi and Vijay in the nets while they were on SRH duties. They look in great shape and are raring to perform on a stage like World Cup. I can see these players contributing in team’s success in a major way,” said Laxman. The selectors have picked Ravindra Jadeja in the final squad and the chairman of selectors said that the all-rounder was picked keeping the conditions of the pitches in mind.
“In the last one year, Kuldeep and Chahal have won us many games. But there might be a situation when you require an additional all-rounder in the playing XI, which Jadeja brings in, and in the second part of the tournament, wickets may be a bit drier so that’s where we think Jadeja will come in handy,” MSK Prasad said.
“After the Champions Trophy, we tried a lot of middle order batsmen, which includes Karthik as well. We gave Rayudu many chances, but Shankar gives us ability with the three dimensions (bowling, batting, fielding). If the conditions are suitable, he can come in as an all-rounder. Shankar is a batsman who can bowl, we are looking to play him at number four,” MSK Prasad said.
Talking about the side, Prasad said, Kedar Jadhav will fit into the much talked about the No 4 slot which has been the talking point, while adding that, KL Rahul has been included as a backup opener to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for the championship which is to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
It was clear that Kohli’s pre-IPL statement that the cash-rich league will have no effect on the selections proved to be prophetic as Pant’s 245 runs in the T20 show-piece fell short of Karthik’s 111 runs. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
However, Prasad said that youngsters Navdeep Saini and Khaleel Ahmed’s names were discussed, and it is expected that both the young fast bowlers will be traveling with the team to England as back-up, who could be drafted in if anyone from the pace troika of Bumrah, Shami, and Bhuvneshwar gets injured. Kuldeep Yadav (24) is the baby of the team while MS Dhoni (37) who will be playing fourth World Cup for the country is the senior most member of the side.
