Vijay Shankar has shown a considerable improvement in his display since making debut in the Nidahas Trophy. The Indian all-rounder has made some useful contributions in the ongoing series against New Zealand. Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar are the two genuine all-rounders, who are in contention to represent India in the World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian skipper, wants national selectors to give Vijay a long run before deciding the fate of two players.
“Vijay Shankar has a chance for the World Cup. You need an extra seamer in England. He is a good all-round fielder too. He showed in the ODI (5th ODI in Wellington) where he got the team out of trouble with the bat. He read the game situation well with his experience of having led in domestic cricket. You build hopes on a player who reads match situations well. He should also be under consideration,” he told India Today.
Hardik has made a remarkable comeback to international cricket after his ban was lifted by the BCCI and could edge Vijay because of his impressive all-round display in the recent times.
“I think he should be playing all the three T20 games. Give him games after games and you would know if he has what it takes. Because if there is a situation that even after the five ODIs vs Australia, we don’t find a fourth fast bowler we can rely on, then we should be open to having Hardik Pandya as the fourth seamer in the squad and Vijay Shankar as an additional option,” Gavaskar further added.