Vijay Shankar excited for IPL 2020

With the Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia out of the window for this year, the eight-team franchise-based tournament has been scheduled from September to November in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “I am very much excited to get back to playing. We have all been waiting for this,” said Vijay Shankar during an Instagram Live session hosted by BITS, Pilani.

 “It is important for players to return to cricketing activities. We are used to playing for almost the entire year. When we get back and interact with our teammates, we will feel a lot better,” added the former Tamil Nadu state side captain.

 Owing to the current health crisis, the UAE government will take a call on whether to allow crowds for the upcoming edition of IPL. Asked about the possibility of playing in front of empty stands, Vijay Shankar stated, “IPL is all about the fans. The stadiums are usually packed and there is so much noise. But, we are used to playing without fans as well, in first-class cricket.” 

During the interaction, Vijay Shankar’s Sunrisers teammates David Warner and Jonny Bairstow pulled his leg, making witty remarks in the comments section. Talking about the SRH opening pair, the 29-year-old said, “Warner is so intense, especially on the field. Bairstow is pretty calm and I had a good experience with him in IPL last year.”

 Like many others, Vijay Shankar, an India squad member at the 2019 50over World Cup in England and Wales, has had to adapt to the new normal. The multi-utility cricketer explained that he has found a way to get himself match ready, despite the long hiatus.

 “The first few weeks (of the lockdown) were pretty difficult. But, most of the players have been practising for the past one month. We have also been doing a lot of training at home to stay fit. Cricket may start any time, so we should be ready,” said Vijay Shankar, who has been spending a bit of his time catching the Test series between host England and the West Indies.