Vijay Shankar elated at India T20I selection for tri-series

Though he didn’t get to make his debut, he was better for the time he spent in the dressing room. How can it be otherwise as a place that is the repository of trade secrets — privy to the select few individuals who gather under the same roof — adds cutting edge to a player’s repertoire, particularly if you are a first-time entrant into that inner sanctum like Vijay Shankar. 

His growing preponderance over other players of his ilk in the shorter formats has now fetched him a spot in the India T20I squad for the tri-series against host Sri Lanka and Bangladesh that is due to begin on March 6. 

“I was thrilled when I heard the news of my selection in the T20I squad. I have been performing consistently in the domestic circuit for a while now and I’m glad that my hard work has been noticed and rewarded,” said a beaming Vijay Shankar. 

You can’t accuse him of being myopic when he repeatedly says he is a process-driven person and therefore hasn’t earmarked any goals for the long-term. 

Asked if he received any subtle hint or direct message from the team management about him being seen as a prospective back-up option to Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar said he wasn’t in the know of what the team management was up to. 

“I have always maintained that my focus is on improving the various facets of my game. I will not get ahead of myself and be worried about things that are not under my control. will look to play with the same intensity that has characterised my game. I look at this as another chance for me to continue that learning process,” added Vijay Shankar. 

Another reason for him to be happy about the latest call-up is the presence of Tamil Nadu teammates Dinesh Karthik and MS Washington Sundar in the squad. 

“It’s not just their presence that makes me happy, but it also has to do with the rest of the squad who I played with during India ‘A’ assignments. I share a good rapport with everyone in the team and I can’t wait to be a part of that dressing room again,” said Vijay Shankar.