Wanted to be a dependable player for my country, says Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay’s comeback after an injury has been a sensational one. He returned to the side and scored two brilliant back to back centuries against Sri Lanka. India’s home season has ended on high and the number one ranked side now tours South Africa to play three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is.

In the swinging and pacy conditions of South Africa, Indian batting units are going to be tested. Return of Dale Steyn in the team will boost the confidence in the South African conditions. The former South African skipper Graeme Smith, who was recently in the commentary box during Sri Lanka’s tour of India said that the South African quick bowlers will be testing the Indian batting unit with their pace.

Sri Lankan coach Nic Pothas during his press conference post three-match T20 series too had said that If the Indian batsmen can score runs against the quicks of South Africa, they will be a tough challenge for the South African bowlers.

Murali Vijay was recently speaking to Times of India (TOI) and when asked about Graeme Smith‘s statement regarding the Indian batting against the fast bowlers, the 33-year old said that he doesn’t think too much about the talks which go around. According to him, he as well as all the Indian batsmen are ready for any challenge.

“I don’t think too much about who says what. It’s a battle between ball and bat. Let’s keep it that way. It’s going to be an interesting experience for everybody – challenging and exciting as well. I’m up for it and I’m pretty sure everybody in the team is ready as well,” Vijay said.

Vijay had good outings when India toured South Africa in 2013 and has been India’s dependable player ever since then in the home as well as away conditions. When asked about him being India’s dependable player overseas and If that adds extra pressure on him, Vijay said that he always wanted to be the dependable player for the country. He termed the tough situations as a pleasure situation than pressure situation. Vijay said that he is confident of doing well in South Africa as he can play his shots when needed as well as control the innings If needed.

“That’s what I wanted to be (About his consistency). I wanted to be a dependable player for my country. Such a situation is not pressure but pleasure for me. It’s a great opportunity for me to go out there and represent billions. I have my process in place. I can control the innings and I can play my shots after settling down. I’m confident of delivering,” he added.