‘It’s a bit frustrating’ – Vijay Shankar dejected after indefinite postponement of IPL 2020

Vijay Shankar, the Tamil Nadu cricketer, isn’t a happy man after the decision to indefinitely postpone the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 came to the fore. Shankar plays for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and reckons that some decent outings in the T20 tournament can do wonders to a player’s career.

He was traded to SRH after he spent one season with the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals. Last year, he managed 244 runs at an average of 20.33 with a top score of an unbeaten 40. In his entire IPL career, Shankar has 557 runs with a couple of half-centuries following his debut back in 2014.

We just want to play cricket: Vijay Shankar

The 29-year-old Shankar knows the importance of the IPL and how it has shaped up the careers of many even at the international level. “It is an important tournament because it is the time you only play T20 for close to two months.

One good IPL can change a player’s career, and it is a bit frustrating [to miss out on it]. More than the selection, as players we just want to play cricket,” Shankar was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with The Hindu.

Shankar was a part of the 2019 World Cup where he was ruled out midway after developing an injury. It was only at the start of the very year when Shankar made his ODI debut against Australia in Melbourne.

Thereafter, he managed to pip the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu for the mega event. Shankar performed to expectations in New Zealand that caught the eyes of the selectors.

“I played well but I wish I could have finished a few more games in New Zealand. On a similar tour before the 2019 World Cup, I did do that — that’s how I got into the National team,” the all-rounder mentioned.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown in India has been extended to May 3. Shankar mentioned how he has been spending his time at home in the critical period. “I do a one-hour session in the morning and evening with a few friends on video call, so we motivate each other,” he added.