7 Indians for whom the New Zealand series is crucial to find a place in the World Cup squad

#1 Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar - The much-needed seam-bowling all-rounder

It is a real tribute to Vijay Shankar that he has been considered as a like-for-like replacement for Hardik Pandya. Compared to Pandya, Shankar is more of a batting all-rounder who can contribute with his medium pace bowling. On his debut against Australia in Melbourne, Shankar had economical figures, having conceded 23 runs in his 6 overs.

On India A’s tour of New Zealand, Vijay Shankar had impressive scores of 42, 59, 87 not out, 71 and 62. On the current tour of New Zealand with the senior team, Shankar will certainly get his opportunity in the first few matches to prove his value. It is now up to him to impress upon the selectors ahead of the World Cup. If selected, Shankar would bring in a lot of value addition to the Indian squad for the World Cup.