Not thinking about any competition with Hardik Pandya, says Vijay Shankar

What’s the story?

Rookie all-rounder Vijay Shankar could get his Test cap during the second match against Sri Lanka in Nagpur on Friday, November 24.

However, Shankar is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and is not looking too far ahead. He is quite content with his position in the side and is not getting too worked up over the perceived competition with Hardik Pandya, who is India's number one all-rounder.

"Pandya has done well so far and his rise has been amazing. I am not thinking about any sort of competition. It's not about competing with anyone but improving on a personal front and trying to cement a place in the starting XI," Vijay told IANS in a telephonic interview.

The details

Shankar also spoke about the excitement when he received the news of his inclusion from MSK Prasad and said that his entire family was overjoyed.

He is now looking to absorb everything and make the best use of this opportunity to share the dressing room with the Indian team.

Apart from this, he also said that he wants to speak to senior members in the side and learn more about the game and how to handle expectations and pressure at the international level.

In case you didn’t know…

The Tamil Nadu man was drafted into the Indian team for the second Test match as the selectors released Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan.

With Hardik Pandya rested, Shankar could get an opportunity to make his debut in Nagpur.

What’s next?

As India awaits the challenge of Sri Lanka in Nagpur, it will be interesting to see the nature of the surface. Since Virat Kohli has already hinted that the Indian management has asked for fast grassy pitches to prepare for the South African tour.

Thus, the balance of the Indian bowling attack will be an intriguing watch.

Author’s take

Vijay Shankar has been a decent and a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and if he manages to translate those performances at the International level, it would be a massive shot in the arm for the Indian team as it embarks on a long away touring season next year.