Star India opener set to mark return to cricket in TNPL

Murali Vijay has been out of competitive cricket for four months now owing to a shoulder injury which was operated upon after the conclusion of India’s last Test assignment – the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Vijay has been a part of the core group in Test cricket ever since he made a memorable come back in 2013.

Vijay withdrew from Sri Lanka series at the last minute

The right-hander was set to return to the Indian Test side in the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka but his recovery needed a bit more time. His place went to Shikhar Dhawan, who has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Vijay is currently in the Kovai Kings set-up and is set to return playing cricket very soon in the Tamil Nadu Cricket League. According to the Times of India, he had a half an hour long net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Kovai Kings will take on Chepauk Super Gillies on Saturday.

Vijay looked comfortable batting in the nets but is unlikely to be rushed back to cricket. He hit spinners effortlessly, showing no discomfort in his troubled shoulder. The tournament’s final is scheduled to be played on August 20 ergo; there is plenty of time for Vijay to be 100 % fit. J Syed Mohammed, the skipper of Kovai Kings, was pleased with Vijay’s progress.

“A lot depends on how he feels about himself. But from what we see he is shaping up well. Last year he did play a couple of games for us, so this time (depending on fitness) he could well join us in the latter half.”

Vijay first-choice opener for India in Tests

With tours of South Africa scheduled for later during the year, India will love Vijay to attain full fitness. His technique and experience are very handy in overseas conditions, as he has made big hundreds while playing away from home. Vijay has been the first choice opener for almost four years now and he will walk back into the side whenever he will be deemed fit.

In 51 Test matches, the Tamil Nadu batsman has 3408 runs at 39.62. 7 of his 9 Test tons have come against top ranked sides England and Australia, which shows his class as a batsman.