Vijay Shankar is back and firing in the shortest format

The shortest format of the game is not easy as it looks. The players just can’t go into the middle and keep smashing the ball out of the park. They need to come up with a strategy to negate the bowlers and play a handy inning. Runs can be scored without playing risky shots and a sensible approach is usually better than an all-out approach.

It is difficult for players to carry on their form for a longer time in this format as players have very less time to settle in the game. One moment can decide the entire course of the game which is why everybody needs to be alert at all times.

Vijay Shankar, the Tamil Nadu allrounder has been doing well consistently in the domestic circuit. His performances were duly rewarded as he got a national call-up for the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka. Shankar had a tournament to forget as he had a horrible time with the bat. He was finding it difficult to make contact with the ball let alone score quick runs. However, the all-rounder seems to have overcome his demons and has done quite well for the Delhi Daredevils in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.

Quality drills behind the scenes

Shankar has credited much of his success in the IPL to specific training done with RobotArm which is a flexible and dynamic stick that can hold and ball. In the format, batsmen need to be aware of the situation and need to pick lengths early. The person releasing the ball at the batsman with the RobotArm can generate speeds close to 145kmph. The ball can be landed in specific areas and the batsmen can execute his shots from there.

The allrounders 31-ball unbeaten 54 against Chennai Super Kings in Pune was his best effort. The range hitting and different ball string drills that he has been doing behind the scenes is certainly working for him.

Shankar felt the toughest ball to cope with in Twenty20 cricket was one just back-of-a-length and rising about waist high. The Tamil Nadu player will be hoping to get more opportunities for India in the future to display his talent and ability.

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