World Cup 2019: Vijay Shankar opines that preparation for batting at No.4 will be a real challenge

Vijay Shankar’s selection in the Indian squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 saw many raised eyebrows given that it came at the cost of Ambati Rayudu losing his spot after a prolonged phase of paltry form. Despite him being backed by the coach and captain at one point of the team.

Then came the infamous ‘three-dimensional’ comment from BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad and social media had a field day about Rayudu’s 3D glasses tweet and Shankar will be under the microscope throughout the ICC tournament given that he is touted to play at the no.4 position in the Indian batting lineup. The Tamil Nadu batsman didn’t have a very good IPL, scoring 280 odd runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad and he believes that his preparation will be a key factor.

After a tremendous stint early 2019, Shankar caught selectors’ eye

“There’s a difference between batting at number four position and batting in the lower order. How I prepare myself will be a real challenge for me. I need to be in good shape, the most important thing will be how I play according to the situation. I should be equipped to play in any condition,” Shankar was quoted as saying by Deccan Chronicle.

“Number four slot, there have many been speculations about that slot. It is really important for me to keep things simple. Other things are not in my control, I should try to control what I can control,” he added.

Vijay Shankar came into focus after a superlative performance against he played in the New Zealand and Australia tours. He piped other contenders and booked his ticket to England and Wales thanks to his 3D skills. A few overs if and when necessary has displayed many times, what a brilliant fielder he is anywhere on the field.

“Everyone’s dream is to first play for the country. Whenever you step in, you are wearing the Indian jersey and it is very special. The World Cup experience is all the more special as it happens once in four years and being named in the fifteen-member Indian squad, I am very happy about it,” Shankar signed off.

India will take on New Zealand (May 25) and Bangladesh (May 28) in the warm-up matches before the World Cup. Their first match in the tournament will come on June 5 against South Africa.

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