NewDelhi: A match-winning performance against Australia in the second ODI has boosted his chances of securing a World Cup spot but Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar insists he is not losing sleep over his selection.
Captain Virat Kohli handed the ball to Shankar when Australia needed 11 runs from the last over and India required two wickets for a win. Shankar dismissed Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa in three balls, delivering when it mattered.
“I’ve said so previously as well that I never think about selection for the World Cup because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team,” said the Tamil Nadu all-rounder.
Shankar said that the final of the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka last year, when he struggled to rotate the strike was a big learning curve for him.
“To be honest the Nidahas Trophy has taught me so many things. Actually, I learned how to stay neutral after that. I need to stay calm and neutral all the time.”
“I was just ready for the challenge because I knew I had to bowl that one over. I was just telling (myself) after the 43rd-44th over that I am going to bowl anytime. Maybe the last over and I should be ready to defend a total of 10 runs or 15 runs. So, I was mentally prepared for that.”
The young all-rounder said experienced Jasprit Bumrah also guided him while approaching the final over.
“After the 48th over, Bumrah came up to me and said that the ball is reversing a bit. He told me that I need to hit the right length on this wicket, where I give myself a chance to hit the stumps.”
“When he said that, I was clear mentally that the only way to defend those runs is by picking wickets and if I can bowl straighter, (I’ll) give myself a chance to take wickets,” he said.
Shankar said that he would not over-react after winning the match for his side but is glad that he could help the team win.
“Just because I got the two wickets in the last over does not make me feel really high or happy.”
Bureau Report
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