'I Should Be In The Team When...': Vijay Shankar Pushes For Comeback To Indian Team

Vijay Shankar has failed to make his way back to the national team. When asked why he has not made his comeback yet, the all-rounder said he feels he has performed 'better than most' to get an India recall.

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Indian cricket team's young Vijay Shankar was the first 'all-rounder choice' of Virat Kohli & Co. until two years ago. The Indian selectors had so much confidence in him that they even picked him in place of senior batsman Ambati Rayudu, for India's 2019 World Cup squad. However, during the mega event, Vijay Shankar sustained a toe injury while playing against the Windies and eventually was dropped from the squad.

Ever since that day, Vijay Shankar has failed to make his way back to the national team. When asked why he has not made his comeback, the all-rounder said he feels he has performed 'better than most' to get an India recall.

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"I don't want to be in the team just because I am an all-rounder, someone who can bat and bowl. It should be more genuine, I should be in the team when people trust me for my abilities," Shankar told India Today. 

"I have said in the past about not liking comparisons. But if you really compare, I think I definitely have done better than most." 

Vijay Shankar had the chance to make his case even stronger by showcasing his talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, but was ruled out due to a hamstring injury in the middle of the tournament.

The 30-year-old all-rounder represented Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2021, but the T20 League was postponed indefinitely after many Covid-19 cases were reported in the IPL bio-bubble.

"I can't think of getting into the Indian side, those things are not in my hand. All I can do is prepare hard and try and do well in the matches that I play. I will try to push for that place again," Shankar said. 

"Definitely, whoever has played for that country would love to wear that jersey again. There is no doubt about that. I just felt that when I had a decent run and I was not even considered after that, it was a little disappointing," he added.