IPL 2020: Vijay Shankar ready to take the bowling load for Sunrisers Hyderabad

If one analyzes Vijay Shankar’s IPL journey, it could be easily figured out that the all-rounder has been under-utilized in the bowling department. Shankar, currently a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has scored 557 runs in 33 IPL games. On the contrary, the Tamil Nadu lad has picked only two wickets so far.

In the previous IPL season, Shankar bowled only eights overs, registering best figures of 1/11. However, in the upcoming season, Shankar is ready to take the extra load if required.

Shankar can score down the order and is capable of hitting it big. But he has lately been working on his bowling too. 29-year-old Shankar revealed was even trying to increase his pace during the lockdown.

I am keen to make a bigger impact on the game: Vijay Shankar

“Remaining fit was the primary focus during 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,” Shankar told The Times of India.

“I am keen to make a bigger impact on the game and that’s the reason I chose to tweak my bowling. Having said that, batting and fielding hasn’t been left behind as an all-rounder must excel in every facet of the game,” he added.

While Shankar may not have a specific batting slot to his name, he believes that it only works to his advantage. He now likes playing the role of a floater while adjusting according to the team’s needs.

“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 state side 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.