The much debated number four slot will be acquired by Dinesh Karthik or Vijay Shankar for India at 2019 world cup. The selectors preferred Shankar over Ambati Rayudu as the former one is a three dimensional player who can bat, field and bowl in the pace friendly conditions in England. Rayudu was almost certain for a place in the team but overturn of fortunes in 2019 meant that his impressive form dipped considerably and ousted him from the world cup picture.
The decision draw criticism from social media as well from cricket pundits. Meanwhile, skipper Virat Kohli has finally opened about the decision and is happy that Shankar is in the team.
“Vijay Shankar brings in a lot to the team and hence, I am delighted to have him,” Kohli was quoted as saying by India Today.
Rise from the ashes
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder managed to impress in the New Zealand limited overs series with the bat but could not get much chances with the ball. The inclusion of Hardik Pandya over shadowed Shankar’s role in the team but the former one’s injury again brought the latter one into the contention for the Australia ODI series in India. Sometimes its the luck and the destiny which can be crucial turnover in one’s career and the disastrous innings of Shankar in the Nidahas trophy 2018 final was one moment when many thought that we would never make it into the national team again.
However, he managed to impress for his state team and India “A” on a consistent basis and Hardik Pandya’s controversy and injury kept Shankar in the hunt for the world cup.
