Shankar eyes all-round contribution to SRH in the IPL 13.
Ahead of the much-awaited 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Vijay Shankar revealed that he has tweaked his bowling action and is keen to make a bigger impact on the game with the changes in the UAE.
Shankar further said he has primarily focused on remaining fit during the COVID-19 lockdown and worked on increasing his pace to make the most of his opportunity in the IPL 2020, as he aims to make a bigger contribution to SRH and share the burden of the bowling attack.
The 29-year-old has so far scored 557 runs from 33 games in the IPL, but only picked up 2 wickets and that’s why he was so keen to improve his bowling and he is excited to see changes in the tournament.
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Shankar told Times of India: “Remaining fit was the primary focus during lockdown but once things eased up a little - I began focusing on all aspects of my game. I have always felt that I could bowl a little quicker and chose to work on increasing my pace. The result of the hard yards I have put in will only be seen when I begin bowling during a match.”
The pacer further added, “I am keen to make a bigger impact on the game and that’s the reason I chose to tweak my bowling. Having said that, batting and fielding haven’t been left behind as an allrounder must excel in every facet of the game.”
When it comes to his batting, Shankar has batted at different positions has now adapted to the changes and is ready to bat at any position SRH in the IPL.
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Shankar added, “Be it while playing List-A games for TN or in IPL, my batting slot has always been flexible. Initially, I would have regretted not getting a slot (while playing for TN), but I soon accepted it and adjusted accordingly. Now, I relish the role of a floater be it for my stateside or in IPL. It has only helped me to prepare for a game better because the requirements for a No.3 spot are different from No.4 or 5 and so on.”
The all-rounder also insisted that he feels more responsible going into the tournament having been training under tight restrictions and a bio-bubble amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.
He signed off by saying, “Earlier, we would have a training session and once that concluded - players would hang out with their teammates. That’s not the case anymore as we head to our homes and each one of us feels extra responsible given the situation we are in.”
Noteworthy, SRH will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 21st September.