Why Vijay Shankar should be in the 2019 World Cup squad

Vijay Shankar is one of the most praised Indian domestic all-rounders at the moment. He plays domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu and has captained the side in limited overs cricket. He was first selected for the Indian T20I squad that played in the Nidahas Trophy last year in March.

Though his performance was average in that series, but his exploits in domestic cricket paid off when he was selected to replace controversy hit Hardik Pandya for the limited over tours of Australia and New Zealand.

He debuted in the 3rd ODI against Australia in Melbourne, in which he bowled a spell of 6 overs for 23 runs without any wickets at an economy rate of 3.83. Though he didn't get a chance to bat, he showed some good effort in the field by taking an important catch of Adam Zampa in the slog overs.

The main reason behind Shankar's inclusion in the squad is his ability to bat better than Hardik Pandya and the amount of experience he brings to the side. His bowling record is good and he has the ability to bowl tidy spells. He has an impressive List A cricket record with over 1400 runs in 59 matches at an average of 37.12 and he has taken 43 wickets at a bowling average of 31.72.

He has 8 half-centuries and 2 centuries with a top score of 129 runs. But his ODI career has not been so great. He has played 3 ODIs so far without taking a wicket for 59 runs and has not gotten the chance to bat. Whereas, Pandya has played 44 ODIs and has scored 686 runs at an average of 28.58 with 4 half-centuries and has taken a total of 42 wickets at a bowling average of 40.43.

Just like Pandya, he has the ability to hit sixes and is a more reliable batsman than the former, as he has won many matches for India A in tough situations. He scored two back-to-back fifty-plus scores on the recent India A tour to New Zealand batting at the no. 5 slot, bowling some tidy spells too.

Also, he performed consistently in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, in 6 matches he scored over 200 runs with an average of 43.60 and took 2 wickets in 4 matches he bowled in.

Shankar can also bat at no. 4 which can come handy for the team when there is an injury or any of the players have to be rested. There is also a scenario where both Pandya and Shankar can be included in the 15-man squad for the World Cup, both can come handy whenever needed.

Before the World Cup, the Aussie challenge at home awaits him and he needs to show his abilities, to the team, and to the selectors. This series marks the perfect opportunity for the 27-year-old all-rounder to grab these opportunities and shoulder the responsibility of carrying out the all-rounder's duties.