A fit again Murali Vijay eyeing a spot in India’s 2019 World Cup squad

India and Tamil Nadu opener Murali Vijay is using the time away from the game to rework on fitness so that he is fit as a fiddle before his next assignment which is the Test series in Sri Lanka next month. Murali underwent a wrist surgery in London, which also forced him out of the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League. Since then, he has been under the rehabilitation and is looking to make a point in his upcoming assignment.

It has already been two and a half months since his wrist was operated, and Murali will be visiting the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore soon to know the full status of his recovery. Over the last few years, he has faced quite a few injuries, including a thumb fracture. When asked how difficult it is to comeback post injuries, he said that it’s irritating but the cricketers have no choice but to cope with it.

“It’s been an irritating period but I’m coping with it. The entire phase has been a great experience for me as a person. I spent time with my family, saw my kids play and grow. I think I have come out of all the challenges pretty well. Even though I have been missing out on big hundreds, I have been scoring runs and contributing for the team. Now I’m just trying to get myself play now. Now I’m just trying to get myself 100 per cent fit and get those daddy hundreds,” he told Times of India.

When asked about his intentions to cement his place in the ODI side, just like his place in Tests Murali said that his chances in the ODI setup are yet to come, but he is eyeing the 2019 World Cup.

“For now, my priority is to win overseas Tests for India. I feel my chances in the limited-overs are yet to come. But my aim is to be part of that Indian team for the 2019 World Cup in England. I’m trying to break the doors and play all three formats.”

Diplomatic comment on the Kohli-Kumble rift 

He was also asked for his take on the Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli saga, which has been making much headlines since the former’s resignation. However, the 33-year-old chose to be wise with his words.

“I haven’t yet come back into the team. I was in the US at that time with family. I wasn’t aware of what’s happening. Kumble has done a lot of great things himself and for the team. He was a pretty good coach. Both Kumble and Kohli are great contributors to Indian cricket and they know what they are doing. Both are great individuals to handle and it’s been fantastic working with them,” Vijay concluded.