India’s no. 4 spot is the talk of the town. There are currently quite a few takers for the same although Vijay Shankar looks like the strongest contender. While naming the squad, MSK Prasad, Chairman of selectors mentioned Shankar as the No 4 for the campaign.

Vijay Shankar talks about India’s no. 4 spot

The guy himself talked to Timesnow.com about the same and mentioned, “I am very much prepared for the crucial No. 4 position. I am mentally prepared for that. It is that position where you might have to come in (in the) 7th or 8th over and (it) might be possible (that) you have to come after 30 or 35 overs, so I have prepared myself for every situation.”

He furthermore added, “I am an attacking-style batsman. If given a chance to play up the order, it would be great. I can go and play according to the style which suits me.”

On World Cup Inclusion

His inclusion has raised many eyebrows, followed by the debate over Ambati Rayudu. Vijay Shankar cleared his stint on the same saying, “I have given my best whenever I represented India. I have done well in the recent matches I played for India. I have bowled in (the) death, batted in crucial stages and with time improvised my fielding as well. I always wanted to be a perfect all-rounder, and I seriously love being tried in different situations by my captain.”

He went on to add, “As he (MSK) said, I am a three-dimensional player. I am happy and would like to work on the same for the rest of my career. I want to improve and improve as an all-rounder.”

On Maiden World Cup

This will be his first World Cup, and he is determined to show his talent on the biggest platform. “I trained really hard. I have trained with good intensity. Whenever I train, I make sure I follow what my coaches and trainers say. I have also worked on my techniques. Be it batting, fielding or bowling; I am prepared in every aspect for the World Cup,” Shankar said.

Shankar added, “Pressure is something you cannot take away from any cricketer. It is going to be there. It is going to be a huge experience. It is going to be very special for me because it (World Cup) happens in four years.” The 28-year old is all set to paint England blue! “I want to wear the Indian World Cup jersey and witness thousands of fans cheering in the stadium. I want to experience that. I am sure I won’t disappoint them.”

Written by Shreyasi Dravid

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