India vs Australia: Vijay Shankar wants to explore his bowling in the upcoming series

Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar was selected in both the Indian ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against Australia and this time around, he wants to explore his bowling more than his batting to prepare himself for the World Cup. In the recent series against Australia and New Zealand, Shankar delivered good performances with the bat but was hardly given chances with the ball in hand.

Before the Australia series, Shankar last played for India in the Nidahas trophy in Sri Lanka where his bowling was more on display than his batting.  But overall, he has impressed as an all-rounder and not just as a bowler. In an interview with India Today, the 28-year-old batting all-rounder said that he will be looking to bowl more in the series against Australia at home.

“Last time, when I was playing in the Nidahas Trophy, my mindset was to pick wickets. In recent times, I was much more restrictive mentally. I was just thinking about putting the balls in the good areas. Maybe, in the Australia series, I will look to express myself a lot more if I get to bowl,” said Vijay.

MSK Prasad has backed Shankar 

Meanwhile, Indian chief selector MSK Prasad said that Vijay’s selection has added a new dimension in the Indian squad and further hinted that if he continues to perform well in the Australia series, the selectors may add him to the 15-member World Cup squad.

“Shankar’s performance in the recent series really changed a bit of dynamics and he brings a double impact to the side that’s why have we have included him. We’ll see how he performs in the next few matches,” Prasad said after his selection in the squads.

With India announcing a full-strength squad for the home series against Australia, it remains to be seen how they maintain equilibrium between giving chances to the reserve players and letting the big names get game time before the quadrennial event. This series is India’s last international assignment before the event in May-July.

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