In the past few years, Indian Cricket has produced more talent than any other country could. There is a huge line of players waiting for one opportunity to make it big & to become a stable name in the national team. It is definitely a good scenario for the team’s performance but at the same time it becomes a huge insecurity for the players. The moment a players goes off the radar with his performance, there are two more players waiting for his spot & the opportunity to perform.
A similar condition happened to all rounder Vijay Shankar. His likes, over Ambati Rayudu, confirmed his name in the 2019 World Cup squad due to his all-around abilities but soon Vijay Shankar lost his place in the Indian team after a dip in form.
With IPL in the picture, he is a regular face of the league with Sunrise Hyderabad. Shankar did not have much to do in the opening game against the KKR, as he could manage only 11 runs from seven deliveries, while with the ball, he bowled a single over for 14 runs.
In a recent interview, he was asked about his thoughts on making a comeback to the national team. He said
“I am not thinking about doing extraordinary stuff or making a comeback. It is about enjoying myself. I started playing this game because I love it. If I enjoy the game and take things as they come, I think I will be in a much better mental space”.
“Sometimes when I am idle in my room, I watch my own videos [of old innings]. As a player, you will want to push yourself for a comeback, but I want to do it the other way. I don’t want to put myself under pressure to perform or get back into the Indian team. I just want to enjoy the game and I feel I’ve done really well when I’ve enjoyed every small thing I do. The end result will take care of itself. So, whatever happens, I’m ready to take it”,
he added.
Shankar got an opportunity to be a part of international cricket at the age of 27 but because of his performance issue after some time he was dropped from the team. although it seems that his priorities are set & he is looking forward to enjoying the game.