IPL 2019: 3 reasons why the tournament is especially important for Vijay Shankar

There can be no escaping the fact that Vijay Shankar is in the reckoning for a spot in the Indian squad for the World Cup 2019 as an all-rounder. He may still be a little inexperienced to make the cut, but you never know what could happen with a good show in IPL 2019.

There are already reports doing the rounds within a section of the media that the think tank of the Indian cricket team is contemplating playing Shankar as a number 4 batsman. Ambati Rayudu may have shown promise in that position, but his performances have been on and off.

In such a scenario, a lot will hinge upon how Shankar performs in the IPL. Let us now explore the 3 reasons that make the tournament especially important for Shankar:

#1 Impressive performance in the series against Australia

The Tamil Nadu cricketer certainly made his case stronger courtesy an impressive performance in the recently concluded series against Australia at home. He played a couple of delightful knocks and showed plenty of composure in tight situations.

In the second ODI, Shankar produced a brilliant final over when Australia needed just 11 runs. The medium pacer picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 3 runs to ensure a victory for Team India by 8 runs.

Earlier in the same match, Shankar made a fluent 46 off 41 balls. He came in to bat when India were in a spot of bother, having lost 3 wickets for 75 runs. But he stitched together an 81-run partnership with skipper Virat Kohli, and was actually the dominant partner - with Kohli playing a supporting role.

Vijay produced a brilliant final over when Australia needed just 11 runs. India had won the matc h

It must have given him a world of confidence as far as rubbing shoulders with the best in the business is concerned. The performance against Australia means he will start his campaign on a positive frame of mind, a must for performing well at any level of the game.

#2 A berth in the Indian squad for the World Cup is up for grabs

Vijay Shankar

Any young cricketer will leave no stone unturned for a chance to play in the ICC World Cup. It should not be any different for Shankar.

The core of the team is more or less settled, but a solid batsman who can chip in with a few tidy overs can be a welcome addition.

If we go by past matches, then it can be seen that Hardik Pandya has been doing the job of an all-rounder in the team for quite some time now. However, when it comes to batting prowess, Shankar is certainly a more solid batsman.

But remember, the World Cup is going to be staged in England, and seamers are bound to play a vital role. In that scenario, most reckon that Pandya is the better seam bowler; not many were impressed with Shankar's bowling skills.

Shankar's biggest strength is probably his temperament. His last ball heroics against Australia are definitely a case in point.

He has shown a lot of maturity with the bat too, which makes him a good option as the number 4 batsman - something which has been a bit of a worry for Kohli and the management.

#3 A chance to translate his domestic performances to big stage success

Vijay Shankar

Shankar, who started out as an off-spinner and later switched to medium pace, has been a consistent performer at the domestic level. He boasts of an average of 47.70 in first-class cricket with 5 centuries against his name. In addition, he has picked up 32 wickets in 41 matches.

The all-rounder has also proved his mettle as a player for the India A team, which has toured countries like Australia and South Africa the past. In 67 List A games, he has slammed 2 centuries and 8 half centuries apart from bagging 45 wickets.

Shankar has also captained the Tamil Nadu side in the limited-overs format with a fair amount of success.

In the 18 IPL matches that Shankar has played so far, he has scored 313 runs at an average of 52.17. But as a bowler, he has been rather underwhelming as he has managed to get only 1 wicket in the 18 matches he has played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The task is cut out for Shankar. He needs to use all the experience he has gained thus far to rise up and shine in IPL 2019.