Until Tuesday night, all-rounder Vijay Shankar was mostly known for leaking runs more than he contributed with the bat so far in the ongoing series. However, it was the last over of the Nagpur ODI against Australia that changed his fate overnight.
After all the regular bowlers were done with their 10-over quota, Kohli had to choose from Shankar and Kedar Jadhav for the last over. Jadhav’s spell read 8-0-33-1 while the seamer had conceded 13 in his only over.
Having discussed the situation with former captain MS Dhoni, Kohli handed over the ball to Shankar who went on to turn the game upside down. The Aussies needed 11 off the last six balls but the Tamil Nadu all-rounder wrapped up the business in just 3 balls.
After loads of drama and pulling out a terrific win, Shankar revealed what was going through his mind.
“It was an opportunity to redeem myself after the expensive over I bowled. I was literally waiting for this opportunity, wanted to bowl under pressure because only if I deliver, they will trust me. I was up for the challenge,” said Shankar.
“Around the 43rd over, I was telling myself that I am bowling the final over and defend the score, just prepared myself a bit. It's about staying clear mentally. Wanted to just stick to the basics, hit the stumps from a hard length as there was a bit of reverse. I always say to myself to keep working on all aspects of my game so that when the opportunity arrives, I am ready to grab it,” he added.
His heroics may have brightened his World Cup chances but currently, he is not thinking on those lines and would just stay in the moment.
“I've said previously also that I never think about the selection or World Cup thing because it's a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team," he said.
India have gone 2-0 in the 5-match ODI series. The next game is scheduled to be played on February 8 in Ranchi.